Photo: IANS
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay responded to criticism that his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam was merely an “actor’s party,” asserting that the organisation had already demonstrated its political strength in the April-May election.
Addressing the Assembly on Tuesday, Vijay spoke on several major issues, including opposition to what he described as the central government’s attempts to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states and his demand for the abolition of NEET. He also defended his party’s ability to govern and dismissed doubts about its long-term political relevance, NDTV reported.
He said TVK had not achieved power easily and had faced numerous challenges, including alleged obstacles and political pressure. According to him, critics who continued to portray him only as an actor were ignoring the party’s connection with the people. He maintained that TVK’s political approach was open and that the party had secured around 35 per cent of the vote share. Vijay added that there was still a long journey ahead despite the party’s electoral success.
On NEET, Vijay argued that the examination system had contributed to inequality and called for it to be removed. He pointed to concerns surrounding student stress, alleged exam-related irregularities, and the impact of the system on equal access to medical education. He reiterated Tamil Nadu’s demand that medical admissions should instead consider Class 12 marks.
Speaking about the language issue, Vijay defended Tamil Nadu’s existing two-language policy, which gives importance to Tamil and English, saying that it adequately serves both regional identity and global communication needs.
Referring to the Karur stampede during an election rally where 41 people died, Vijay said the tragedy remained a deeply painful event and criticised those who blamed him and TVK for the incident. He questioned whether political disputes should be handled by placing blame during such a tragedy.
His remarks were seen as a response to criticism from the previous ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, whose leaders had accused Vijay and TVK of failing to follow crowd-management measures suggested by police.
Vijay also drew parallels with Tamil Nadu’s political history, referring to the victories of CN Annadurai-led DMK in 1967 and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led by the Tamil OG actor-politician-chief minister, MG Ramachandran in 1977. He presented his own 2026 government as another political movement representing ordinary people.
Taking an indirect swipe at the DMK, Vijay criticised family-based politics and said his party’s focus was not on promoting a single family but on serving every family in Tamil Nadu. He described TVK’s approach as one centred on public welfare and inclusive governance.