More than 150 CPI workers were arrested here today when they staged a demonstration demanding stepping down of the Tamil Nadu Government headed by Edapadi K Palaniswamy as it was neglecting the interests of the people and the State.

Led by party state treasurer and former legislator M Arumugam, the workers, including 50 women, raised slogans against the ruling party, which they claimed had become a puppet in the hands of BJP-led Centre. An aged woman from Veerakealam swooned during the agitation, creating some anxious moments. However, she recovered soon to be part of the demonstration.

Party district secretary VS Sundaram said that after the death of Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK has become a puppet in the hands of BJP and its government at the Centre. The State Government was playing into the hands of the BJP Government, be it constitution of Cauvery Management Board, NEET, GST, UDAY scheme or cut in food subsidy. And all there were against the interests of the State, he added.

Owing to internal squabble, the ruling party was not able to concentrate in governance and the law and order situation was turning worse and various welfare schemes were pending, Sundaram said As the party had not been granted permission for the demonstration, the participants were arrested.