Kolkata, March 3 — Clashes broke out between activists of various Leftist student bodies and the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) on Monday as the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), called for a state-wide strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu.
The violence was particularly intense in Medinipur town (Paschim Medinipur), Siliguri (Darjeeling), Cooch Behar, and Panskura (Purba Medinipur), where members of the TMCP clashed with Leftist activists from organizations like the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) and SFI.
Strike Disrupts University Campuses
The strike, which started at 10 AM, led to a deserted look on campuses like Jadavpur University and Presidency University in Kolkata, where SFI members were active in enforcing the strike. Other educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University, and Burdwan University were partially impacted, with some classes canceled, although semester examinations continued as scheduled.
While the strike disrupted academic activities, it did not cause significant traffic disturbances. Public transport remained unaffected, and students sitting for the West Bengal board class 12 exams were able to proceed smoothly to their examination centers.
Violence at Jadavpur University
The tension escalated on March 1 at Jadavpur University, where a confrontation between students and Minister Basu’s convoy resulted in injuries to two students. Leftist students had been attempting to stop Basu from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union elections.
SFI member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged that Basu, surrounded by TMC supporters and outsiders, tried to leave abruptly, and in the process, his car injured two students — one of them seriously. Sarkar condemned the minister for acting "high-handedly" and failing to address the students' concerns, accusing him of responsibility for the injuries and calling for his resignation.
Ongoing Tensions and Demands for Action
The incident, which followed Basu’s attendance at an annual general meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), has deepened the divide. Sarkar criticized the TMC for allegedly instigating violence on the campus, where supporters of the ruling party were said to have caused damage during the protest.
SFI has demanded both the resignation of the Education Minister and police action against him for what they claim was an act of negligence. Despite the ongoing protests, the student body has pledged to assist with the smooth conduct of the higher secondary exams and will set up camps near exam centers to provide support to candidates.
The situation continues to evolve as tensions remain high across the state's campuses.
The violence was particularly intense in Medinipur town (Paschim Medinipur), Siliguri (Darjeeling), Cooch Behar, and Panskura (Purba Medinipur), where members of the TMCP clashed with Leftist activists from organizations like the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) and SFI.
Strike Disrupts University Campuses
The strike, which started at 10 AM, led to a deserted look on campuses like Jadavpur University and Presidency University in Kolkata, where SFI members were active in enforcing the strike. Other educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University, and Burdwan University were partially impacted, with some classes canceled, although semester examinations continued as scheduled.
While the strike disrupted academic activities, it did not cause significant traffic disturbances. Public transport remained unaffected, and students sitting for the West Bengal board class 12 exams were able to proceed smoothly to their examination centers.
Violence at Jadavpur University
The tension escalated on March 1 at Jadavpur University, where a confrontation between students and Minister Basu’s convoy resulted in injuries to two students. Leftist students had been attempting to stop Basu from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union elections.
SFI member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged that Basu, surrounded by TMC supporters and outsiders, tried to leave abruptly, and in the process, his car injured two students — one of them seriously. Sarkar condemned the minister for acting "high-handedly" and failing to address the students' concerns, accusing him of responsibility for the injuries and calling for his resignation.
Ongoing Tensions and Demands for Action
The incident, which followed Basu’s attendance at an annual general meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), has deepened the divide. Sarkar criticized the TMC for allegedly instigating violence on the campus, where supporters of the ruling party were said to have caused damage during the protest.
SFI has demanded both the resignation of the Education Minister and police action against him for what they claim was an act of negligence. Despite the ongoing protests, the student body has pledged to assist with the smooth conduct of the higher secondary exams and will set up camps near exam centers to provide support to candidates.
The situation continues to evolve as tensions remain high across the state's campuses.
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