Students affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the CPI(M)'s student wing, staged protests and enforced a day-long strike on university campuses across West Bengal on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu.
The protests intensified after two students were injured when a vehicle from Basu's convoy grazed them during a chaotic confrontation at Jadavpur University (JU) on March 1. Leftist students had attempted to prevent Basu from leaving the JU campus, seeking discussions regarding the student union elections. Amid the chaos, the minister’s car windshield was also damaged, leaving Basu slightly injured.
Campuses Deserted Amid Strike Action
Campuses at Jadavpur University and Presidency University wore a deserted look on Monday as students, faculty members, and staff largely stayed away. SFI activists gathered at these prominent institutions to enforce the strike, which officially commenced at 10 am.Other educational institutions, including Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University, and Burdwan University, experienced partial disruptions, with some classes suspended even though semester examinations continued as scheduled. SFI presence at these campuses was relatively sparse compared to JU and Presidency University.
Meanwhile, activists from Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), were also observed on various campuses across the state.
No Impact on Road Traffic or Examinations
Notably, the SFI's strike did not disrupt road traffic. Students appearing for various examinations, including the crucial West Bengal board class 12 exams which began on Monday, faced no inconvenience. The SFI had earlier assured that they would facilitate smooth conduct of the higher secondary examinations by setting up assistance camps outside examination centers.Allegations Against Minister Basu
SFI State Committee member Shuvajit Sarkar accused Education Minister Basu of instigating violence on the JU campus. Sarkar alleged, "Outsiders sheltered by the TMC instigated violence and vandalism on the campus during the AGM of West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), attended by Minister Basu."Detailing the events of March 1, Sarkar added, "Students wanted to discuss their grievances in the presence of the vice-chancellor. However, the minister responded arrogantly and hurriedly attempted to leave. Despite ongoing protests, his car accelerated recklessly, injuring two students—one seriously. Basu fled the scene without addressing the injuries."
Demand for Immediate Action
Sarkar further demanded Basu's immediate resignation and urged police action against him, accusing him of inflaming tensions on the campus. The SFI activists emphasized that their protests would continue until concrete action is taken against the minister.This latest protest underscores ongoing tensions in West Bengal’s educational landscape, highlighting students' persistent concerns over transparency and accountability within university administrations.
