Suvendu Adhikari Addresses Jadavpur University on Political Slogans

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari delivered a robust message to students at Kolkata's Jadavpur University (JU), criticising the use of political slogans advocating for independence. Speaking to a crowd gathered during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) event on Raksha Bandhan, Adhikari expressed his disapproval of what he termed the university's alignment with Maoist sympathisers and elements promoting separatism.

The event, which featured a mass signing of 'Vande Mataram', was held while the university was closed for the holiday, with its gates securely locked. Adhikari questioned the students' calls for 'azaadi'—a term meaning independence—in a strong rebuttal. He asked, “What azaadi are you looking for? Azaadi to consume heroin and ganja? You are the tukre tukre gang,” referring to a term used for groups he perceives as anti-national.

Adhikari's comments were made in the context of recent tensions following a violent confrontation between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and supporters of Left student organisations at JU, which also resulted in damage to a university emblem. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) accused ABVP members of inciting violence and allegedly bringing in outsiders. While a police complaint was lodged by the university, reports indicate that no arrests have been made to date.

Declaring his intention to address the situation, Adhikari asserted, “I know the disease. I also know the medicine.” He hinted at a broader agenda by stating, “A storm of nationalism has started. It is unstoppable.” He also referenced the controversial Maoist leader Koteswar Rao, alias Kishenji, commenting on the legacy of political dissent at the university and suggesting a shift in rhetoric from supporting Palestinian freedom to advocating for the reclaiming of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

During his remarks, the Chief Minister claimed that past political regimes, particularly the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during its time in power, had fostered an environment conducive to Maoist ideologies within the university for electoral benefits. He asserted, “The Maoist elements did not vote for the Trinamool Congress, but they raised their voices against the BJP during elections,” indicating a desire to remove extremist influences from the campus.

Prominent academic figures, including JU's computer science professor Nandini Mukherjee, countered Adhikari's accusations, insisting that there are no Maoist activities at Jadavpur University and that it remains a centre of education.

As the political discourse continues, the Chief Minister's statements reflect a growing tension between the government and educational institutions regarding issues of nationalism, freedom of expression, and political affiliation. No reactions were reported from leaders of the CPI(M) or TMC following Adhikari's speech by the evening time on the same day.