Kolkata: Activists from various Leftist student organizations and the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) clashed across West Bengal on Monday during a strike called by the CPI(M)’s student wing, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). The strike, held on university campuses, demanded the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu.
Clashes erupted between members of TMCP and Leftist activists from the All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) and SFI in Medinipur town (Paschim Medinipur district), Siliguri (Darjeeling district), Cooch Behar district, and Panskura (Purba Medinipur district). Physical altercations occurred at Vidyasagar University and Medinipur College in Paschim Medinipur, Panskura Banamali College in Purba Medinipur, and North Bengal University in Siliguri. TMCP activists attempted to prevent Leftist students from enforcing the strike and disrupting classes.
The strike disrupted classes in several state-run higher educational institutions across the districts. The campuses of Jadavpur University and Presidency University in Kolkata were eerily quiet as students, faculty, and staff stayed away. SFI members gathered on the campuses to enforce the day-long strike, which began at 10 am.
Activists from SFI, AIDSO, All India Students’ Association (AISA), and Revolutionary Students’ Front (RSF) staged demonstrations on the Jadavpur University campus, chanting slogans, beating drums, and locking department doors to enforce the strike. A JU official confirmed that no classes were held on campus that day.
At Presidency University, a stronghold of Leftist student bodies, SFI members protested with placards condemning the "muscle-flexing and strong-arm tactics of the TMC and the provocative conduct of the education minister on March 1." A university official stated, "No classes were held today."
Campuses of other institutions, including Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, and Burdwan University, also appeared deserted. Most classes were canceled, although semester examinations proceeded as scheduled. Fewer SFI activists were seen on these campuses compared to JU and Presidency University. However, TMCP activists were present.
The strike did not affect vehicular movement, as SFI activists did not disrupt road traffic. Candidates were able to reach examination centers across the state without issues to take the West Bengal Board Class 12 examinations, which began on Monday.
Tensions escalated on March 1 when two students were injured after a car in Education Minister Bratya Basu’s convoy grazed past them during a confrontation at Jadavpur University. Leftist students were attempting to prevent Basu from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union polls. Basu sustained minor injuries when protesters damaged his car’s windshield.
Basu had visited the university to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA) as the chairman of the TMC-aligned teachers’ body. SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar alleged that "outsiders sheltered by the TMC instigated the violence and vandalism on the Jadavpur University campus during the AGM in Basu’s presence."
Sarkar recounted the events, stating that students had sought a discussion with the education minister in the presence of the vice-chancellor but were met with high-handed behavior. He claimed that Basu, accompanied by TMC musclemen and outsiders, left abruptly in his car, injuring two students—one seriously—and showing no concern for their safety.
Sarkar demanded Basu’s resignation from the state cabinet and police action against him, accusing him of fueling conflict on the Jadavpur University campus. He also assured that SFI would support the smooth conduct of higher secondary examinations by organizing assistance camps near examination centers.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
For the latest updates and more news, visit ZTC News and Z News Today.