The Bengal Education Minister was attacked at Jadavpur University on March 1. | (Photo Courtesy: X/@KamalikaSengupt)
Kolkata: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) members staged a protest at Jadavpur University on Saturday, March 1, demanding immediate student union elections. The student belonging to CPI(M)’s student wing gheraoed Education Minister Bratya Basu, who was attending the annual meet of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association.
Despite receiving their memorandum and attempting dialogue, Basu faced intense protests, forcing his security team to struggle while escorting him to his vehicle.
As per a report by The Telegraph, the windscreen of Basu’s car also was damaged in the process. He was later admitted to SSKM Hospital after experiencing discomfort during the gherao. Doctors confirmed that his condition is stable.
Bratya Basu Called SFI Protest ‘Undemocratic’
Basu criticised the SFI protest at Jadavpur University, accusing the Left student outfit of exposing its “undemocratic and unruly” face. The minister, who also heads the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), said SFI resorted to intimidation and shouted slogans against teachers.
“Those who claim to fight fascism today joined hands with fascist forces to target me and members of the teaching community,” Basu said, adding, “Ram and Bam have united to disrupt campus peace,” as per a report by The Telegraph.
Clashes, Vandalism and Injury Allegations
As Basu left the campus, students chased his car, raising slogans like ‘chor chor’ and ‘go back.’ The minister’s car windscreen was damaged, and TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh alleged that some students misbehaved with a professor, warning of strict action.
A video posted by an X user also claimed that the minster’s car flee from the scene after hitting a student at the campus, who is now critical.
“Minister Bratya Basu’s car flees Jadavpur University after hitting a student, who’s now fighting for his life. Shame on Trinamool Congress,” the tweet read. Have a look at the video here:
Reportedly, police had to escort Basu inside the campus through an alternate gate as protestors blocked the main entrance and the 8B intersection nearby.
SFI, however, claimed their members were attacked by TMC-backed outsiders and some were hospitalised. They denied resorting to violence and demanded immediate student union elections.
Tensions Escalate on Campus
After Basu left, students tore down WBCUPA banners, vandalised a TMC teachers’ wing room, and allegedly injured two professors. One professor reportedly had his foot run over by a vehicle during the chaos, adding to the rising tension between students and faculty.
