Agencies | New Delhi:
amil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday attended the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, signalling a potential shift in the state’s engagement with the Union government.
Following the meeting, Vijay held a separate discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his second meeting with the Prime Minister in less than a month.
Soon after assuming office last month, Vijay travelled to New Delhi on May 27 and met PM Modi, seeking financial assistance for welfare and infrastructure projects, approvals for key developmental initiatives, and the Centre’s intervention in the long-pending Mekedatu water dispute. During the visit, he also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to press for enhanced budgetary support for Tamil Nadu.
At Thursday’s NITI Aayog meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admissions to undergraduate medical and dental programmes. He argued that the examination disproportionately affects students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Vijay urged the Centre to permit Tamil Nadu to fill all seats under the state quota in MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses based solely on Class XII examination marks, reiterating a long-standing demand of the state.
A New Approach to Tamil Nadu–Delhi Relations
Although Vijay had described the BJP as his party’s “ideological adversary” during the Assembly election campaign, his actions since taking office suggest a more pragmatic approach towards the Centre.
Unlike several opposition leaders who sharply criticised the BJP-led Union government over the NEET-UG controversy, Vijay has focused his criticism on what he termed “structural deficiencies” in the examination system, while avoiding direct attacks on the Centre.
Similarly, in his maiden address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly as Chief Minister, Vijay refrained from targeting either the BJP or the Union government, signalling a more measured political tone.
The contrast with former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is significant. Stalin had skipped three consecutive NITI Aayog Governing Council meetings, accusing the Centre of treating Tamil Nadu in a discriminatory manner and alleging “step-motherly treatment” towards the state.
Early Signs of Recalibration
It remains premature to draw firm conclusions about the long-term trajectory of the Vijay government, which is only weeks into its five-year term. However, the Chief Minister’s decision to engage directly with the Union government, participate in NITI Aayog deliberations, and maintain regular communication with the Prime Minister indicates an effort to balance cooperation with advocacy for Tamil Nadu’s interests.
While continuing to press the state’s case on issues such as NEET, fiscal allocations and development projects, Vijay appears to be pursuing a strategy that prioritises dialogue over confrontation.
Whether this approach translates into greater policy concessions and developmental gains for Tamil Nadu remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the early indications point towards a recalibration of the state’s relationship with New Delhi under the new administration.
