Kolkata: Tension gripped Jadavpur University on Friday after clashes reportedly broke out on campus, triggering a fresh political confrontation in West Bengal. The situation escalated as students and security personnel were involved in scuffles, prompting concerns over law and order within one of the state’s premier educational institutions.
According to initial reports, the unrest began over a campus-related dispute that quickly spiralled into confrontation. Visuals from the scene showed chaos, with groups of students raising slogans and allegations of excessive force being used. Authorities later moved to bring the situation under control, but tension remained high for several hours.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the state government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order. He alleged that such incidents reflect a broader breakdown of governance in West Bengal and said that educational institutions should not become centres of unrest and violence. Modi’s remarks come amid an already heated political climate due to the ongoing Assembly elections.
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, hit back at the criticism, accusing the BJP of politicising campus issues. Party leaders claimed that attempts are being made to destabilise the state by amplifying isolated incidents and turning them into political controversies. They also urged restraint and called for a thorough inquiry into the events at the university.
Meanwhile, student groups have presented conflicting versions of the incident. While some alleged that their protests were peaceful and were disrupted by force, others claimed that the situation escalated due to provocation from rival groups. The university administration has yet to release a detailed statement, though officials indicated that efforts are underway to restore normalcy.
The clash at Jadavpur University has once again brought campus politics in Bengal into the spotlight, raising questions about student safety, administrative response and political interference in academic spaces.
As investigations continue, the incident is likely to remain a key flashpoint in the state’s political discourse, with both the BJP and TMC using it to reinforce their competing narratives ahead of the crucial electoral contest.
