CPI (M) demands impartial probe into audio tape scandal

DINDIGUL

CPI (M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan has demanded an impartial inquiry, under the supervision of a judicial officer, into the audio tape scandal involving Nirmala Devi, assistant professor of a college in Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district.

Talking to media persons here on Monday, he said it was a serious issue involving the Governor’s office, top-level government officers and others. So, the enquiry ordered by Governor Banwarilal Purohit was not acceptable. There was an attempt to make two assistant professors scapegoats and close the issue, he alleged.

Strongly condemning the arrest of JACTTO-GEO members, he said teachers and government staff had been fighting for their rights for the past nine years. The government should not repress their democratic protests. Instead, it should invite them for talks. “Why did they give explanation through newspapers?,” he asked.

On the conduct of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, he said NEET was not necessary for the State, which had produced the best doctors even without the test. NEET only helped tuition centres make huge profits, he added.

“We have infrastructure to conduct exams for 10 lakh candidates. Why did the Centre not take steps to conduct exam for one lakh students? Students and parents were in mental agony. The 37 AIADMK MPs should have raised the issue in Parliament. But they did not, and Mr. Thambidurai was making statements only in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

He announced that the CPI (M) would launch rallies at Villupuram, Tiruvallur, the Nilgiris, Kanniyakumari, Vellore and Thoothukudi on June 9 and they would converge in Tiruchi on June 13, protesting against Central government policies and demanding revival of the paralysed MGNREGS, establishment of the Cauvery Management Board and quick action to solve drinking water crisis.

Then, there would be a public meeting in Tiruchi, which was likely to be addressed by party’s national secretary Sitaram Yetchuri, he added.