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

Circular on student protests: CPI(M) demands removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, announces stir throughout State The Tamil Nadu administration should reconsider announcement on providing administration car for all MLAs, remarked Mr.

Key points

• Shanmugam staged a protest against the privatisation of drinking water supply in Salem Corporation, at Salem on August 21, 2026 Photo Credit: E.
• Shanmugam, on Friday (August 21, 2026), demanded the removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M.
• No motive behind circular on student participation in CJP, Left parties' protests: Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister.
• 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.
• Likewise, a Tahsildar had ordered to collect the details of CPI and CPI(M) members in revenue villages in Dindigul district.

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.

For context, 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 confirmed demonstrations throughout 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. Afterwards speaking to reporters, Mr. Shanmugam remarked the State administration 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, " remarked Mr. Shanmugam.

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

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 matter, Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, in the Assembly, remarked the Tahsildar was posted to carry out survey works. But, on the contrary, the Dindigul district administration asserted that the Tahsildar was posted for training.

"Was the Tahsildar sent for a survey on Communists? Who is telling the truth? The Tamil Nadu administration should clarify in this regard. After CPI(M) took this matter to the Chief Minister, the Tahsildar was transferred. This transfer is not enough and action should be taken against the Tahsildar, " Mr. Shanmugam continued. Govt. Should reconsider announcement on cars for MLAs.

Demanding to withdraw the decision of privatising the drinking water supply in Salem Corporation, Mr. Shanmugam additionally stated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has confirmed a administration car each for all MLAs. Car for all MLAs is not acceptable. The administration can assist MLAs who have no cars, to purchase cars. Meanwhile, the administration should reconsider this announcement.

In practice, the administration has hiked the Aavin milk procurement rate by ₹3 per litre. But, this is not adequate and all milk producers' associations are demanding a hike of ₹10 per litre. So, the administration should consider this, Mr. Shanmugam continued.

In short, circular on student protests: CPI(M) demands removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.