Violent clashes erupted across West Bengal on Monday as activists from various Leftist student groups and the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad confronted each other during a strike organised by the Students’ Federation of India , the student wing of the Communist Party of India . The strike was called to demand the resignation and arrest of Education Minister Bratya Basu following an incident at Jadavpur University that left at least two students injured.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when Education Minister Bratya Basu visited Jadavpur University to attend a meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association . Students, led by the SFI, were protesting on campus, demanding immediate student union elections—a process that has been delayed for nearly a decade. As the minister attempted to leave, protesters surrounded his vehicle, leading to a confrontation. Witnesses reported that the windscreen of Basu’s car was smashed, and in the ensuing chaos, a student, identified as Indranuj Roy, was injured when the vehicle allegedly moved forward, causing him to fall and sustain injuries. Roy was subsequently hospitalised with facial injuries, including a bandaged left eye.
In response to the incident, the SFI called for a strike across university campuses in West Bengal, demanding Basu’s resignation and arrest, accusing him of attempting to harm protesting students. SFI state secretary Debanjan Dey stated, “We demand the arrest of Education Minister Bratya Basu for a clear murder attempt on protesting students as he tried to run over them.”
The strike led to clashes between Leftist student unions and the TMCP in various districts, including Cooch Behar, Siliguri, Paschim Medinipur, and Purba Medinipur. Reports indicate that attempts to enforce the strike were met with resistance from TMCP members, resulting in violent confrontations. In Medinipur College, TMCP activists allegedly brought outsiders to oppose the strike, leading to clashes. Dey commented, “Goons backed by the TMCP had come to oppose it and resorted to violence.”
At Jadavpur University, hundreds of students marched to protest the incident involving Minister Basu. The demonstrators carried sketches of the injured student, Roy, and chanted slogans demanding justice. The protest march, organised by various Left and ultra-Left groups on campus, called for Basu’s resignation and arrest. Students also boycotted classes and examinations in solidarity with the injured protesters.
The situation has drawn national attention, with the Delhi wing of the SFI holding a protest at Banga Bhawan against the TMC government and Education Minister Basu. The demonstrators in Delhi echoed the demands for Basu’s resignation and called for an immediate inquiry into the incident at Jadavpur University.
In response to the escalating tensions, law enforcement agencies have increased security measures across university campuses in West Bengal. Kolkata Police arrested a former student in connection with the vandalism and arson at Jadavpur University, and multiple FIRs have been registered following the violent clashes. Police have assured that all individuals involved in the violence will be held accountable, stating, “No one will be spared.”
Education Minister Bratya Basu has condemned the violence and denied allegations of attempting to harm students. He asserted that the protesters attacked his vehicle unprovoked and that he had no intention of causing injury. Basu stated, “I strongly condemn the violence perpetrated by the protesters. Such actions have no place in a democratic society.”
The Trinamool Congress has backed the minister, with party leaders criticising the student protests as politically motivated. TMC spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya remarked, “The opposition is trying to create unrest in educational institutions for their political gains. We stand by our minister and condemn the unwarranted protests.”
The demand for student union elections has been a longstanding issue in West Bengal, with the last elections held nearly a decade ago. Student groups argue that the absence of elected unions has led to a lack of representation and dialogue between students and university administrations. The recent incident at Jadavpur University has reignited these demands, with students asserting that their voices need to be heard and represented.
As tensions continue to simmer, university administrations have urged both student groups and political organisations to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, Suranjan Das, appealed for calm, stating, “We must ensure that our campuses remain spaces for learning and open discussion. Violence and confrontation only hinder our progress.”
The situation remains volatile, with student groups planning further protests in the coming days. The state government has called for discussions to address the concerns raised by the students, but the path to resolution appears uncertain as both sides remain steadfast in their positions.
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