Circular on student protests: CPI(M) demands removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, announces stir across State
The Tamil Nadu government should reconsider announcement on providing government car for all MLAs, said Mr. Shanmugam
On Friday, August 21, 2026, CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam called for the removal of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar in response to a controversial circular. The circular allegedly sought to prevent student protests, which the CPI(M) deemed illegal. Shanmugam led leftist protests in Salem against the privatization of Salem Corporation's drinking water supply.
Later, Shanmugam stated that the circular was sent by the Chief Secretary to suppress the Left parties and their student and youth wings. He demanded immediate removal of the Chief Secretary.
On the same day, a Tahsildar ordered to gather details of CPI and CPI(M) members in Dindigul district's revenue villages. The Revenue Minister, K.A. Sengottaiyan, responded by claiming the Tahsildar was for survey work, but Dindigul district administration claimed it was for training. Shanmugam questioned the purpose and called for clarification and action against the Tahsildar.
Shanmugam also criticized the decision to privatize Salem Corporation's drinking water supply. He urged the Chief Minister to withdraw the decision and instead provide assistance to MLAs without cars. Additionally, Shanmugam highlighted the hike in Aavin milk procurement price from ₹3 to ₹4 per litre, which was insufficient. Milk producers' associations demanded a ₹10 increase. Shanmugam urged the government to reconsider their stance.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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