Circular on student protests: CPI(M) demands removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, announces stir across State
The CPI(M) in Tamil Nadu has demanded the removal of the state's Chief Secretary over a circular aimed at preventing student protests. The party has announced statewide demonstrations to protest the government's stance on student political participation.
Why it matters
This reflects a significant conflict between state administrative authorities and opposition political parties regarding the right to protest and political expression in educational institutions.
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).
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