Chennai: CPI(M) Tamil Nadu State Secretary P. Shanmugam has written to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay demanding immediate disciplinary action against Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar. While the controversial circular that sought to prevent students from participating in protests organised by Left parties and other organisations was withdrawn after criticism, Shanmugam has urged Vijay to ensure that such directives are not issued in the future.
The party has maintained that the Left parties, which extended support to the TVK government, expect the administration to respect democratic rights rather than restrict them.
P. Shanmugam stated that a high-level meeting chaired by the chief secretary and attended by senior officials decided to issue instructions directing the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police and district administrations to coordinate and stop students and youth from joining protests by Left movements and the Cockroach Janata Party.
The directive was marked “top priority” and “immediate,” with departments asked to submit an action-taken report. The CPI(M) described the move as unconstitutional, illegal and a deliberate attempt to curb democratic rights and suppress Left and democratic organisations.
“The right to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution and every organisation, including Left parties, have the right to struggle for its demands. Police should not be used as instruments against peaceful democratic activities and the chief secretary’s action effectively represented the government’s position,” said Shanmugam, in his letter.
He rejected the Higher Education Minister’s apology in the Assembly as inadequate. He insisted that seeking explanations only from lower-level officials while sparing the chief secretary and other senior officers responsible for the decision was unacceptable.
CPI(M) urged the chief minister to intervene personally, take appropriate action against the chief secretary and other officials involved. While the circular was cancelled and withdrawn after the backlash, Shanmugam has written to Vijay to ensure such directives are not repeated.
Earlier, M. Sai Kumar’s appointment and subsequent service extension was also questioned since Sai Kumar was appointed chief secretary by the Election Commission of India in April 2026 during the model code of conduct period, replacing the previous incumbent shortly before the Assembly elections. The move was opposed by the then-ruling DMK, which questioned the timing and Sai Kumar’s earlier association with the AIADMK government.
After the TVK government assumed office, the state government sought an extension of Sai Kumar’s service as he was due to retire at the end of August 2026. The Centre initially received a request for a three-month extension and later approved a six-month extension, allowing him to continue until 28 February 2027.
The decision to retain an officer appointed by the Election Commission rather than appoint a new chief secretary of the government’s choice had already drawn criticism from Left parties, which questioned the need for the extension.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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