CPI(M) seeks Chief Secretary’s removal; CPI questions T.N. Chief Minister’s ‘silence’ on circular

On August 22, 2026, leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) in Tamil Nadu escalated their criticism against the state government, demanding the immediate removal of Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar and questioning the silence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over a controversial administrative directive. The protest, led by CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam, took place in Madurai, with additional demonstrations in Chennai, where Shanmugam accused the Chief Secretary of acting beyond his authority and extending his tenure without proper approval. Shanmugam alleged that Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar had not been formally appointed by the Tamil Nadu government but rather by the Election Commission of India, suggesting that his continued service was unauthorized. He called for the replacement of Sai Kumar with an official chosen by the state administration, emphasizing that the Chief Secretary, as a government servant, should not dictate policy. During the protest, Shanmugam also criticized the tahsildar of Guziliamparai for directing local officials to gather information on members of Left parties, describing such actions as an attempt to suppress political dissent. In parallel, CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian accused the Chief Secretary of issuing a circular that advised officials to prevent students and young people from participating in protests organized by the Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Veerapandian argued that the Chief Secretary, as a mere administrative officer, lacked the authority to make such decisions, and that the Chief Minister should step forward to address the issue directly. He claimed that the circular reflected a regressive approach reminiscent of British colonial governance, undermining democratic rights and freedom of expression. Veerapandian further stated that the circular appeared to ignore the democratic principles underpinning modern India, asserting that all citizens, including students, have the right to protest. He questioned whether the Chief Secretary and other officials were aware of the historical alliance between the Left parties and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had supported the current government. According to Veerapandian, the actions of officials suggested a growing tension between the ruling coalition and the state bureaucracy, raising concerns about the influence of external forces such as the BJP and RSS within the administration. MP Su. Venkatesan, leading the CPI(M) protest in Madurai, condemned the Chief Secretary for allegedly restricting students' ability to challenge state policies through peaceful assembly. He described the circular as a direct attack on democratic freedoms and warned that the state's response to recent nationwide student demonstrations could signal a shift toward authoritarian control. Venkatesan also raised suspicions that the directives issued by the Chief Secretary might reflect the influence of right-wing groups operating within the state apparatus, potentially steering Tamil Nadu toward a more conservative direction. The CPI(M) leaders emphasized that the government should clarify the origins of the directive, particularly if it stemmed from a meeting involving the Chief Secretary. They stressed that the Chief Secretary must acknowledge responsibility for the controversy, and that the state administration should ensure transparency in its dealings with both the opposition and civil society. The protests underscored deepening tensions between the Left parties and the state government, highlighting broader concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing role of external ideological influences in shaping public policy.