West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will visit Jadavpur University on Friday and personally lead the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. This comes amidst the ongoing ideological confrontation on the campus between Left student organisations and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
The announcement follows days of tension after violent clashes between ABVP activists and Left-backed student groups earlier last week. The confrontation, which began over a disputed general body meeting, escalated into stone-pelting, attempts at forced entry by outsiders, arson near the administrative building, and damage to the university’s iconic emblem. Both sides have traded accusations of bringing outsiders and initiating the violence.
On Monday, Adhikari sought to project normalcy while simultaneously signalling a firm political response. Speaking to reporters, he stated that regular classes were being held and insisted there was “no problem” at the university. At the same time, he made it clear that slogans glorifying the slain Maoist leader Kishenji would not be tolerated and confirmed his plan to visit the campus the following Friday to sing the national song.
The chief minister’s office has also directed university authorities and the Higher Education Department to immediately verify reports of “anti-national” graffiti and drawings inside the Arts Division boys’ hostel. Videos and photographs received through the grievance cell prompted the directive, with Adhikari emphasising that educational institutions cannot be allowed to become platforms for divisive or anti-India propaganda.
The Friday visit carries clear political weight. Just days earlier, Adhikari had declared that nationalism would be restored both inside and outside Jadavpur University. He had alleged that ‘Vande Mataram’ was not permitted on the campus, the national flag was not regularly hoisted, and certain elements opposed the observance of Independence Day and Republic Day. In a blunt assertion, he said anyone living in the state would have to sing ‘Vande Mataram’, adding that there would be no compromise on patriotism.
Supporters of the chief minister view the planned programme as a symbolic assertion of nationalist values in an institution long dominated by Left politics. A section of teachers aligned with the RSS-affiliated teachers’ body has welcomed the visit, describing it as a step that would end the influence of what they term “dimaagi Naxals” on the campus.
Opposition voices, including former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, have criticised the BJP, accusing it of orchestrating disorder at a university known for its academic standing. Left student organisations continue to demand accountability for the earlier violence and have staged protests even as security remains heightened around the gates.
With the campus still under official inquiry into the controversial graffiti - price presence outside the campus, Adhikari’s presence on Friday is expected to sharpen the political battle lines.
