CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam participated in a protest demanding the removal of the toll gate near Krishnagiri Collectorate on Friday
| Photo Credit: N. Bashkaran
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Friday (July 3, 2026) said that the Tamil Nadu Governor conducting a review meeting with officials “is not acceptable.”
The CPI(M) secretary participated in a protest in Krishnagiri district, demanding the removal of the toll plaza near the Krishnagiri Collectorate, and later addressed the media.
Responding to a question on Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar reportedly conducting a review meeting with officials in Madurai, Mr. Shanmugam said it was not acceptable. “Everyone knew that former Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi ran a parallel government,” he said, adding that the previous DMK government, the CPI(M), and other parties had staged various protests against the same. “If the Governor has views on any issue, he should take it up with the Chief Minister and sort it out. But acting arbitrarily goes against the power given to the Governor by the Constitution,” Mr. Shanmugam added.
On Karur stampede
Responding to a comment made by Public Works Minister (PWD) Aadhav Arjuna that “the DMK killed 41 people in Karur,” Mr. Shanmugam said at the time of the incident, the CPI(M) had said that the deaths occurred due to a stampede and that action should be taken against those responsible. That stance continues, he added.
Regarding former AIADMK Ministers joining the TVK, Mr. Shanmugam said that in the past too, many who faced cases had joined various political parties. “The cases against them should be investigated and they should not be protected,” the CPI(M) leader added.
Speaking about the protest, Mr. Shanmugam said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) rules should be followed with respect to the toll gate near the Krishnagiri Collectorate. He explained that as per the NHAI rules, a toll should be created 10 km away from the municipality; but this toll gate was created within 3 km. “Likewise, toll fees should not be collected for locals residing within 20 km. But at this toll gate, everyone should pay the fee. All sections of people, including farmers, are affected by this toll gate. Petitions were submitted to officials on multiple occasions but no action was taken,” Mr. Shanmugam added.
Published – July 03, 2026 05:33 pm IST
