Madras high court extends stay on 5 Tamil Nadu assembly bypolls. One was won by CM Vijay

Tensions have surfaced between the Left parties and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu following a controversy surrounding anti-protest circulars. Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary P Shanmugam expressed concerns that the chief minister, C Joseph Vijay, may rely on administrative officers for support, rather than maintaining a partnership with the Left parties.

This remark occurred in response to protests organized by the Left parties against a circular aimed at tracking students involved in political protests without authorization. The circular was later withdrawn by the Directorate of Collegiate Education.

Another circular was issued by Gujiliamparai tehsildar M Ayyasamy, instructing revenue inspectors and village assistants to gather data on Left parties in the Dindigul district. However, this circular was also withdrawn after facing opposition. The Dindigul district collector withdrew the circular in response to backlash.

Shanmugam accused the Chief Secretary, M Sai Kumar, of issuing the circulars after a meeting on July 28 at the Secretariat. He questioned whether the chief secretary, tehsildars, and district collectors were aware of the Left parties' support for the government. Shanmugam emphasized that these actions targeting the Left cannot be tolerated and called for a peaceful resolution to resolve the situation amicably.

TVK deputy general secretary and minister CTR Nirmal Kumar responded to Shanmugam's statements, stating that the tehsildar who issued the circular acted on personal bias and would be transferred. He assured that necessary action would be taken against the tehsildar. VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan echoed Shanmugham's concerns, warning against the influence of bureaucratic high-ranking officials, such as the chief secretary, attempting to pressure the TVK government.

He emphasized the need to maintain good relations with alliance partners, as the TVK government currently relies on support from the Left parties, CPI, and CPI (M).