No motive behind circular on student participation in CJP, Left parties’ protests: Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister
Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan clarified in the Assembly that a controversial circular regarding student participation in protests was not intended to suppress rights. The government withdrew the directive after it caused public outrage for specifically targeting certain political organizations.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between state government administrative directives and the political rights of students on college campuses.
Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan on Thursday (August 20, 2026) told the Assembly that the State government had no ulterior motive in sending a circular to college principals in connection with the student protests .
He was referring to a recent directive issued by the Higher Education Department, citing Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar’s diktat, which had sought coordinated action to prevent students from participating in protests organised by the Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The order was withdrawn following an outrage.
Replying to CPI members T. Ramachandran and Marimuthu in the Assembly, Mr. Viswanathan said the objective of the circular was to “ensure discipline and peace” on college campuses.
“The government has no plans to control the rights of students and youth. This government respects the genuine rights of students,” he said.
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