TN bars school, college students from joining CJP and left-backed protests, issues orders

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, Aug 19, 2026: The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Vijay, has directed authorities to take coordinated steps to prevent school and college students and youth from participating in protests and agitations organised by Leftist parties and the Tamil Nadu Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), according to an official communication issued by the Department of Collegiate Education.

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 ensure that male and female students, as well as youth, do not participate in such protests.

The directive refers to a government letter dated August 14, which called for inter-departmental coordination and joint action on the matter.

The communication, marked “Most Urgent", also directs colleges to immediately submit details of the action taken to the Directorate of Collegiate Education.

According to sources, the TVK government has asked the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, police and district administrations to take coordinated action to prevent student participation.

The order has been issued amid heightened political activity and follows the government’s stated concern over student and youth participation in protests organised by the two political groups.

BJP Reacts To Tamil Nadu Govt’s Order 

The directive drew a sharp response from BJP leaders. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam described the Leftist outfits and CJP as “Agents of Chaos", alleging that their leaders mislead students and leave them to face the consequences while returning to their own homes.

He welcomed the Vijay government’s move, saying it would help students avoid being drawn into protests and instead focus on their careers. He also urged the government not to withdraw the notification under pressure from its ally, the CPI(M).

Meanwhile, BJP leader Radhika Khera attacked the Tamil Nadu government over the directive, describing it as a “diktat" to colleges, police and district administration to prevent students and youth from joining CJP and Leftist rallies.

Drawing a comparison with the Congress’ protests over student participation at Delhi University, Khera questioned where Rahul Gandhi and his party leaders were following the Tamil Nadu government’s order.