CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka said the organisation had planned an internal meeting at Bharat Sabha Hall, also known as the Indian Association, in central Kolkata on Tuesday. He claimed organisers were initially told that the booking had been confirmed but were informed on arriving to complete the payment that the venue was no longer available.
Ranka alleged that the hall management had received threatening calls from local BJP leaders. He said CJP representatives then approached six other venues in Kolkata but were unable to secure a hall, with organisers being told that there was considerable political and administrative pressure surrounding the proposed gathering.
The allegations have been disputed by both the venue and the BJP. An employee of the Indian Association said another organisation using the premises had extended its programme, preventing the CJP meeting from going ahead. The employee denied that political pressure had played a role.
BJP chief spokesperson in West Bengal Debjit Sarkar said he was unaware of any attempt by party leaders to pressure venue operators. He said the CJP could approach the administration or pursue legal remedies if it believed it had been treated improperly.
The conflicting accounts leave the circumstances surrounding the cancellation contested. No independently verified evidence has emerged establishing that BJP leaders threatened the hall management or other venue operators.
Ranka and other CJP members subsequently addressed journalists outside Press Club Kolkata. The group had planned a media interaction at the club, but electricity was unavailable inside the building. The Press Club said heavy rain had caused flooding and electrical problems, requiring the power supply to be disconnected while repairs were undertaken.
The Kolkata visit forms part of a broader CJP effort to expand its organisation and its “School Thik Karo” campaign, which focuses on infrastructure and conditions in government schools. The movement has encouraged supporters to visit schools, document deficiencies and demand improvements from authorities.
CJP representatives visiting West Bengal have also focused on the case of supporter Sheikh Abdul Hafeez in Bankura district. Hafeez has alleged that he and his father were assaulted after he filmed conditions at a school he had attended and posted material as part of the education campaign.
His father later died after suffering injuries. Police said officers had responded to the incident and several people were detained for questioning. Authorities said the circumstances of the assault, identities of those involved and any possible political connection would be examined following a formal complaint.
CJP leaders have accused BJP supporters of involvement in the Bankura attack. The allegation has not been established by an investigation. BJP representatives have said action should be taken against any party workers if evidence proves their involvement.
Ranka said the organisation intended to continue operating in West Bengal despite the difficulties surrounding the Kolkata meeting. He accused political opponents of attempting to intimidate volunteers instead of responding to demands for improvements in education.
The CJP has asked authorities to arrest those responsible for the Bankura assault, examine the conduct of local police and improve educational infrastructure in the area. Its representatives have also announced fundraising efforts for Hafeez’s family.
The movement has grown rapidly since being founded by Abhijeet Dipke in May and emerged as a prominent platform for youth grievances over education, examinations, employment and government accountability. Its supporters gained national attention during demonstrations triggered by examination paper leaks that forced millions of students to sit fresh tests.
Weeks of demonstrations intensified in July, when thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament and police used tear gas to control crowds. The confrontation became one of the most significant youth-led challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government during his third term.
The agitation ended after then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted demands including examination reforms, withdrawal of cases against protesters and compensation for families affected by student suicides linked to the examination controversy. CJP leaders subsequently asked demonstrators to disperse peacefully.
