SALEM: CPM state secretary P Shanmugam on Friday demanded the removal of Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar, holding him responsible for directions aimed at preventing Left and democratic student organisations from participating in protests, and simultaneously urged the state government to reconsider its decision to provide cars to all MLAs, arguing that government funds should not be spent on vehicles for legislators who already own cars.
He said the government could instead provide loan assistance to legislators who genuinely require vehicles and announced a statewide protest on Saturday demanding action against the chief secretary.
Speaking to reporters in Salem after leading a party protest against the privatisation of the city’s 24/7 drinking water supply project, Shanmugam alleged that the higher education department’s circular directing government arts and science colleges to coordinate with the police and other officials to prevent students from participating in protests organised by Left parties and democratic organisations was an attempt to suppress Left organisations and restrict students’ democratic rights.
He demanded the withdrawal of the circular and added the chief secretary should take responsibility.