Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday, 23 June launched a pointed counterattack against the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, firmly rejecting claims that his government functioned as the 'B-team' of any political party. Replying to the motion of thanks to the Governor's Address on the final day of the Assembly session, Vijay defended his administration's record on law and order, education, social justice, and governance.

Vijay Rejects 'B-Team' Label

Vijay was unequivocal in asserting his government's political independence. 'We are not anybody's B-team. We are the People's Team,' he declared, adding that his administration drew its mandate solely from the electorate. He noted that Left parties, including the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), had independently chosen to back the government — a decision he said was theirs alone. He also warned that his administration would not tolerate corruption or misuse of public funds.

Attack on DMK's Law and Order Record

On the question of law and order, Vijay said his government remained open to constructive suggestions from the Opposition but turned the spotlight on the DMK's own record. He alleged that the drug menace had expanded significantly during the previous DMK administration and maintained that his government was taking decisive steps to curb narcotics-related crime and restore public confidence. This comes amid recurring Opposition criticism over the state's security situation.

Centre-State Relations and NEET Opposition

On Centre-State relations, Vijay outlined a pragmatic approach centred on Tamil Nadu's development interests. While signalling a willingness to maintain cordial ties with the Union government, he reaffirmed his administration's opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Education Policy (NEP). He reiterated that medical admissions should be determined by Class 12 marks and said Tamil Nadu would continue to resist policies perceived as undermining the state's educational autonomy — a position that has defined Tamil politics across party lines for years.

Social Justice and Cabinet Representation

Defending his cabinet's composition, Vijay pointed to the representation accorded to women and members of the Scheduled Castes, arguing that his government was operationalising the social justice principles envisioned by Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He questioned the DMK's commitment to those same ideals and said the present administration had ensured broader social representation than its predecessor.

Sharp Remarks Close the Session

Vijay concluded his address with a series of sarcastic observations directed at the Opposition, including a brief 'kuttu story' and a pointed remark that those responsible for creating governance problems should not lecture others on how to govern. The remarks drew loud reactions from both the treasury and Opposition benches. Notably, he also took aim at DMK leaders who had repeatedly demanded he speak more often in the Assembly, saying even a short speech from him had created political tremors — an apparent reference to DMK President and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The Assembly session has now concluded, with the political fallout from Vijay's address expected to shape the next phase of Tamil Nadu's opposition dynamics.