Circular on student protests: CPI(M) demands removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, announces stir across State

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

CPI(M) cadre led by State Secretary P. Shanmugam staged a protest against the privatisation of drinking water supply in Salem Corporation, at Salem on August 21, 2026 | Photo Credit: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

The CPI(M) State secretary, P. Shanmugam, on Friday (August 21, 2026), demanded the removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar over the controversial circular on prevention of student protests and announced demonstrations across Tamil Nadu on Saturday (August 22).

On Friday, the CPI(M) cadre led by the Left party’s state secretary Shanmugam protested in Salem against the privatisation of the drinking water supply in Salem Corporation. Later speaking to reporters, Mr. Shanmugam said the State government sent circulars to colleges and universities to prevent students from participating in protests organised by the Communist parties and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

“Communist parties had fought for India’s freedom and this circular is illegal. It has been sent by the Chief Secretary, allegedly to crush the Left parties and their student and youth wings. The CPI(M) demands the removal of Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar from the post immediately,” said Mr. Shanmugam.

Demanding this, CPI(M) will stage demonstrations across the State on Saturday.

CPI(M) holds Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary responsible for circular on student participation in Left parties’ protests

No motive behind circular on student participation in CJP, Left parties’ protests: Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister

Likewise, a Tahsildar had ordered to collect the details of CPI and CPI(M) members in revenue villages in Dindigul district. In his response to the issue, Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, in the Assembly, said the Tahsildar was posted to carry out survey works. But, on the contrary, the Dindigul district administration claimed that the Tahsildar was posted for training.

“Was the Tahsildar sent for a survey on Communists? Who is telling the truth? The Tamil Nadu government should clarify in this regard. After CPI(M) took this issue to the Chief Minister, the Tahsildar was transferred. This transfer is not enough and action should be taken against the Tahsildar,” Mr. Shanmugam added.

Demanding to withdraw the decision of privatising the drinking water supply in Salem Corporation, Mr. Shanmugam also said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has announced a government car each for all MLAs . Car for all MLAs is not acceptable. The government can help MLAs who have no cars, to buy cars. The government should reconsider this announcement.

The government has hiked the Aavin milk procurement price by ₹3 per litre . But, this is not adequate and all milk producers' associations are demanding a hike of ₹10 per litre. So, the government should consider this, Mr. Shanmugam added.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform.