TN govt forms panel for state autonomy amid governor tensions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced in the state assembly on Tuesday that a panel will be formed to suggest ways to increase the state’s autonomy, following repeated clashes with the Governor, according to news agency ANI.

The committee will be led by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph, along with former IAS officers Ashok Vardan Shetty and Mu Nagarajan.

Stalin said the aim of forming the panel is to give the state more powers and improve its relationship with the central government.

The committee has been asked to submit an interim report by January 2026, and a final report by 2028.

Speaking in the assembly, Stalin said, “To strengthen the relationship between the state and Union Government, this committee will conduct research and give its recommendations.”

MK Stalin on NEET and language policy

Stalin also repeated his strong opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Education Policy (NEP).

He accused the Centre of trying to impose Hindi through the NEP and claimed that Tamil Nadu has been denied ₹2,500 crore in central funds because it rejected the policy.

“We have lost many students due to the NEET exam. We have always opposed it. Under the three-language policy, the Union Government is trying to push Hindi in Tamil Nadu. Since we refused to accept the NEP, the Centre has not released ₹2,500 crore meant for the state,” ANI quoted him as saying.