Kolkata, March 1: Members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), staged a massive demonstration at Jadavpur University on Saturday, demanding immediate elections for the students' union. The protest escalated when the demonstrators surrounded and gheraoed West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, who was attending the annual general meeting (AGM) of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA).
The protestors prevented Minister Basu from easily leaving the campus, and his security personnel faced significant challenges in escorting him safely to his vehicle. During this turmoil, students damaged the windshield of Basu’s car.
Shortly after the incident, Minister Basu experienced uneasiness and was taken to the SSKM Hospital for medical assistance. Hospital sources later confirmed that his condition was stable.
Basu Condemns Protest, Accuses SFI of Undemocratic Behaviour
Bratya Basu, who is also serving as the President of WBCUPA, strongly criticized the SFI, accusing the CPI(M)-aligned students' union of exposing their "undemocratic and unruly" nature."Those who protested against the saffronisation of the country and made claims about fighting for democracy and against fascism have today aligned themselves with fascist forces. They targeted me and other teaching community members simply because we did not yield to their intimidatory tactics," Basu stated.
Commenting further, he alleged that political forces from both the Left and the Right—whom he referred to as "Ram and Bam"—were collaborating to disrupt the university’s peaceful academic environment. Basu also mentioned that a faculty member had been manhandled during the protests.
SFI Clarifies Stand; Denies Violence
In response to the allegations, SFI leader Kaushiki Bhattacharya clarified that their protest intended only to hold a discussion with Minister Basu, urging him to expedite the students' union elections. She rejected claims of violent conduct, accusing instead "TMC outsiders" and their sympathizers of attacking SFI activists and using abusive language against them.After Minister Basu departed, some protesting students escalated their agitation, tearing down banners and festoons related to the WBCUPA AGM and reportedly heckling senior professors, including Omprakash Mishra. Protestors also vandalised the office of the TMC teachers’ wing, alleging one of their fellow students had sustained injuries after being run over by a car during the incident.
TMC Warns of Strict Action Against Unruly Behaviour
Denouncing the aggressive behaviour of the protesting students, TMC State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh condemned the incident and stated that stern action would be taken against those responsible. He specifically pointed out that professor Pradipta Mukhopadhyay was among those who had been mistreated during the protest."The courtesy extended by the ruling party must not be mistaken for weakness. Acts of uncivilised behaviour will be firmly dealt with," Ghosh warned.
Earlier in the day, police managed to bring Minister Basu into the university campus through an alternate gate, as the main entrance remained blocked by protestors.
The incident highlights the growing tensions around students' union elections in West Bengal and underscores the political sensitivities within academic institutions.
