Tamil Nadu Govt Withdraws Order Banning Students From CJP, Left-Backed Protests Amid Backlash

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday took back its order seeking coordinated action to stop students and young people from joining protests organized by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) after facing a lot of criticism to the decision, according to an official.

When was the order withdrawn?

Joint Director of Collegiate Education, Cynthia Selvi P stated that the order issued on August 14 was withdrawn on Wednesday. This means that the directive to keep students away from political protests will no longer be in effect.

What was the order?

Earlier in a letter dated August 17, the Commissioner of Collegiate Education asked principals of government arts and science colleges to work with the School Education and Higher Education departments, police and district administration to make sure that male and female students, young people do not take part in these protests.

The directive refers to a government letter dated August 14 which asked for teamwork between departments and joint action on this issue.

The message, marked "Most Urgent " also tells colleges to send details about the steps they have taken to the Directorate of Collegiate Education away.

What is the reason for the order?

The TVK government has asked the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police and district administrations to work to stop students from joining protests.

The order was given during a time of increased activity and follows the governments worry about students and young people joining protests organized by the two political groups.

How did the CJP respond?

The earlier order drew criticism from the CJP with its national co-convener Saurav Das describing it as "unconstitutional" and calling it an "illogical" and "irrational" step, by the Vijay government. The BJP on the hand supported the order with party leader Vinoj P Selvam accusing the CJP and Left groups of being "agents of chaos”.

How did BJP react to the order?

The directive got a reaction from BJP leaders. State Secretary Vinoj P Selvam called the Leftist outfits and CJP "Agents of Chaos" saying their leaders trick students and then leave them to deal with the results while going back to their own homes.

He said he was happy with the Vijay governments decision saying it would help students avoid getting involved in protests and instead concentrate on their careers. He also asked the government not to cancel the notice because of pressure, from its ally, the CPI(M).