What Happened
The CPM, an ally of the ruling TVK, held a protest in Chennai demanding action against Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar over a circular connected to the monitoring of students taking part in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party.
The party also raised a second instance: an unauthorised circular issued at the tahsildar level seeking details of Left party members. The officer concerned has been relieved and asked to explain the order.
The Government Response
Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said the government had no role in the circular and that a decision on any action against the Chief Secretary rests with the Chief Minister. The characterisation of the circular and the demand for the Chief Secretary's removal are the CPM's position.
