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The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Tamil Nadu State Committee has written to the Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay, demanding immediate disciplinary action against the state Chief Secretary, M Sai Kumar and the complete withdrawal of a contentious government circular aimed at preventing students from participating in protests organized by Left parties.
In the letter dated August 26, CPI(M) State Secretary P Shanmugam alleged that following a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, instructions were issued directing the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police, and district administrations to coordinate and prevent students from participating in protests organised by Left movements and Karappanpoochi Janatha Party organisations. The directive was reportedly classified as "Top Priority" and "Immediate," requiring concerned departments to submit an 'Action Taken Report'. Condemning the circular, the CPI(M) stated that the move is unconstitutional, illegal, and a planned attempt to curb democratic rights and suppress Left movements in the state. The party noted that an apology tendered by the Higher Education Minister in the Legislative Assembly was not enough and insisted on administrative accountability against senior officials responsible for the decision. CPI(M) further stated that not only Left organisations, but every democratic organisation has the right to protest. Implementing multi-departmental coordination to curb rights guaranteed by the Constitution is unconstitutional, and it legitimises illegal actions, including police entering educational campuses to take action. This is why various political parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and democratic movements have demanded action against the Chief Secretary, the letter read. The Left party also flagged an incident in Dindigul district, alleging that the Gujiliamparai Tahsildar had unlawfully directed Village Administrative Officers (VAOs) to collect details of CPI(M) and CPI party members in the taluk. The CPI(M) expressed dissatisfaction that the administration treated the matter lightly as a minor misdemeanour and merely issued a notice to the tahsildar under Rule 17-A of the government servant conduct rules. Calling for the Chief Minister's urgent intervention, the CPI(M) demanded strict action against the officials involved, including the Chief Secretary and the Gujiliamparai Tahsildar, along with the immediate cancellation and complete withdrawal of the Chief Secretary's directive. (ANI)
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