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Adhikari Outlines Grievances Regarding Campus Protocols
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared on Saturday evening that he is determined to eliminate anti-national activities at Jadavpur University (JU) in South Kolkata. Speaking during a program dedicated to the Annapurna Yojana in his Bhabanipur constituency, Adhikari asserted that as the administrative head of the state, he would establish the spirit of nationalism at the institution "at any cost." The Chief Minister’s statement followed reports of tensions within the university campus, which he characterized as a failure to uphold national symbols and state authority.
Adhikari listed several specific issues he attributed to the current situation at Jadavpur University. He stated that the song Vande Mataram is not sung on the campus. According to the Chief Minister, the national flag is not hoisted there either. He further alleged that Education Department officials are prevented from entering the university campus. Additionally, Adhikari claimed that authorities are blocked from installing CCTV cameras within the premises.
"They do not let Vande Mataram be sung in JU. The national flag is not hoisted there. They do not let the Education Department officials enter the university campus. They do not let CCTV cameras be installed there," Adhikari said. He emphasized that his administration would work to establish nationalism both inside and outside Jadavpur University, framing these protocol issues as central to the state's administrative responsibilities.
Clashes Between Student Wings Draw Criticism
The Chief Minister’s comments referenced recent incidents of violence on campus. Adhikari specifically pointed to clashes between the student wings of opposing political parties. He cited conflicts between the SFI, which is affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), and the ABVP, the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These confrontations formed part of the backdrop for his address regarding the need to restore order and nationalistic symbols at the university.
During the same event in Bhabanipur, Adhikari directed criticism toward individuals and groups who were criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation. He launched a scathing attack on those he accused of trolling the state government and the ruling BJP over the JU clashes. The Chief Minister suggested that the criticism leveled against his administration was unwarranted given the challenges faced in maintaining order.
"I have seen many people cry," Adhikari remarked, though he did not specify who was crying or the context of those tears in the reported statement. His remarks were made while addressing supporters and attendees at the Annapurna Yojana program, which is a welfare initiative focused on food security for women in West Bengal.
Political Context of the Address
The address took place in Bhabanipur, a constituency in South Kolkata that represents Adhikari’s political base. The timing of the statement coincided with ongoing scrutiny of the state government’s ability to manage educational institutions and maintain public order. By linking the issues at Jadavpur University to broader themes of nationalism and administrative control, Adhikari sought to frame the university disputes within a larger political narrative.
The Chief Minister’s pledge to act "at any cost" indicates a firm stance on enforcing state directives within university campuses. The specific grievances he raised—regarding the singing of national songs, hoisting of flags, access for officials, and surveillance infrastructure—highlight points of contention between the state administration and elements within the university community.
No immediate response from representatives of the SFI or ABVP was included in the reports of the event. The ruling BJP and the state government have not yet issued a separate detailed rebuttal to the allegations made by opposition figures regarding the handling of the clashes, nor has the university administration provided a counter-statement regarding the claims about restricted access for officials and cameras.
The situation at Jadavpur University remains under observation as the state government moves to address the cited infractions. Adhikari’s statements in Bhabanipur underscored the political sensitivity surrounding the institution and its role in the broader discourse on nationalism and governance in West Bengal.
