Mamata Banerjee Shows Remarkable Restraint Amidst Attack on Bengal Minister Bratya Basu: Saayoni Ghosh

Rising Tensions at Jadavpur University Campus Could Tarnish Institution's Reputation, Warns TMC MP​

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has shown exceptional restraint following an attack on state Education Minister Bratya Basu by Left-wing students at Jadavpur University, according to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saayoni Ghosh.


Speaking to reporters during a TMC event on Saturday, Ghosh, who represents the Jadavpur constituency, commended the Chief Minister's patience, noting that despite provocations and escalating disruptions, Mamata Banerjee had refrained from sending police onto the university campus.

"Mamata Banerjee is showing remarkable patience and restraint despite provocations by Left-wing students, who are disrupting the situation on the campus. Due to the patience shown by the CM, police are not entering the campus despite the attack on the minister. JU has always been known for its liberal values and high academic standards," Ghosh stated.

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However, she expressed deep concern over the current unrest, cautioning that continued disturbances, allegedly spearheaded by student groups linked to the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Naxal supporters, could severely damage the prestigious institution's image.

"But if such hooliganism by SFI and Naxals continues, the day is not far that the reputation of the varsity slides to a point of no return. We don't wish that to happen," Ghosh added.

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Incident Escalates Amid Demand for Students' Union Elections​

The tension at Jadavpur University intensified on March 1, when demonstrations demanding overdue student union elections turned confrontational. Education Minister Bratya Basu, attending an event at the university, faced aggressive protests that culminated in a violent clash. Two students were reportedly injured after Basu's convoy allegedly grazed past them during an attempt to surround (gherao) his vehicle.


Contradicting these claims, Minister Basu stated that he himself sustained injuries after students allegedly vandalised his car's windshield during the protest.

CPI(M) Accuses TMC of Provocative Statements​

In response to Ghosh’s comments, Sujan Chakraborty, a CPI(M) central committee member, accused TMC leaders of making provocative remarks to gain political mileage within their party ranks.

"These statements show the anti-democratic and autocratic nature of the TMC, but the student community of the state will not be intimidated by such rabble-rousers," Chakraborty remarked.

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Left-wing student groups continue to argue that the absence of elected student unions across educational institutions has significantly curtailed democratic avenues for students to express their grievances, alleging that it further paves the way for institutional corruption.