Don't penalise South: Vijay's two big demands at CMs' meet with Amit Shah

Chief Minister Vijay, making his maiden appearance at the Southern Zonal Council meeting, stuck to the two issues that have recently been at the heart of Tamil Nadu politics.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay with Union Home Minister Amit ShahNEET exemption for Tamil Nadu and protection of the South's political representation in the proposed delimitation bill were among the key issues raised by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay at a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Making his maiden appearance at the Southern Zonal Council meeting, Vijay stuck to the two issues that have recently been at the heart of Tamil Nadu politics, apart from calling for greater cooperation in interstate drug abuse, the blue economy and coastal security.At the outset, Vijay pushed for an exemption for Tamil Nadu from the NEET - the entrance test for medical courses - arguing that it disadvantages rural students and those not financially well off. The TVK chief urged the Centre to allow Tamil Nadu to fill seats for MBBS, BDS and AYUSH courses based solely on Class 12 marks, sources told India Today.Successive governments in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK, have opposed the NEET exam for about a decade now. Vijay, who came to power three months ago, has also vociferously opposed NEET. In fact, the actor-turned-politician has previously demanded that education be transferred back from the Concurrent List to the State List. - EndsPublished By: Abhishek DePublished On: Aug 20, 2026 15:28 IST