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Fissures emerge between Left and TVK over Tamil Nadu’s anti-protest circular
The dispute over circulars targeting political protesters has exposed tensions within Tamil Nadu’s ruling alliance, with the Left questioning the government
Fissures emerged between the Left parties and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu after Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary P Shanmugam questioned whether the chief minister C Joseph Vijay-led government intends to stay in power with the support of Left parties or by using administrative officers.
His remarks come in the backdrop of protests led by the Left parties on Saturday over a circular aimed at profiling students participating in political protests without permission. It was however withdrawn by the Directorate of Collegiate Education later.
Similarly, another circular was also issued by the Gujiliamparai tehsildar M Ayyasamy in Dindigul district instructing revenue inspectors and village assistants to collect the details of Left parties present in the region. The Dindigul district collector also withdrew the circular after backlash.
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CPI(M) questions TVK government’s reliance on bureaucracy
Shanmugam raised objections that the circulars were issued after the chief secretary M Sai Kumar held a meeting at the Secretariat on July 28.
In a video statement, Shanmugam said, “The CPI(M) and CPI have given support for this government to be formed and to continue in power... Doesn’t the chief secretary know this? Don’t the tehsildar and the district collector know this?”
He added, “...if reports and circulars are sent with such ulterior motives targeting the Left, are you going to run the government with them (administrative officers), or are you going to continue the government with the Left??”
Criticising the government, he said, “...This action cannot be tolerated. This issue must be resolved amicably and peacefully in a way that puts a permanent full stop to this.”
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TVK says Dindigul circular was issued due to ‘personal bias’
Responding to the development, TVK deputy general secretary and minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said the concerned tehsildar who issued such a circular on his own and action has been taken against him on the matter.
“He (tehsildar) did that on personal bias. He is retiring soon. He sent the circular without bringing to the notice of the district collector.” Kumar, who is also the minister of energy resources and law, said. He said the tehsildar was transferred and necessary action would be taken against him.
VCK warns against strain with alliance partners
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan echoed Shanmugham’s statements. “The statement issued by the CPI(M) state secretary is something that deserves serious attention. They have pointed out a warning that those belonging to the bureaucracy, specifically those in high positions such as the chief secretary should not create any kind of pressure for this government formed under the leadership of C Joseph Vijay,” Thirumavalavan said.
“Due to such actions (by the chief secretary), relationships with alliance partners should not be affected in any way,” he added.
Also read: Tamil Nadu official seeks clarification on government directive to curb student protests
Left parties extend outside support to TVK government
The TVK won the April 23 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. However, it fell short of the mandatory 118 seats to form the government.
Later, the party formed a post poll alliance with the Left parties CPI and the CPI (M) which had won in two seats each. The left parties are offering outside support to the TVK government.
Besides the Left parties, TVK forged an alliance with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Congress.
