West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta has demanded an immediate stop to political interference and outsider entry in universities following recent clashes and vandalism at Jadavpur University. He termed the damage to the historic university emblem as unfortunate and stated that such incidents ruin the reputation of both the state and the educational institution. Dasgupta made these remarks on Friday amid ongoing tension on the campus.
Dasgupta noted that while West Bengal has a long history of student politics, it is necessary to maintain a line between student activities and external political interference. He stated that students should have the freedom to raise their issues, but outside political forces must stay away from the campus environment. The minister highlighted that Jadavpur University is an outstanding institution for education and research, and clashes along with vandalism damage its reputation. He stressed the need to restore a normal academic atmosphere.
The Jadavpur University administration filed a written complaint at the Jadavpur police station on Friday following arson, attacks, and damage to the university emblem. The administration decided to form a three-member committee to investigate the incident and handed over all CCTV footage to the police. They demanded the identification of the accused and legal action against them. Meanwhile, the Jadavpur University Teachers Association held a work boycott and staged a sit-in protest on Friday. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad denied the allegation of damaging the emblem and blamed ultra-left elements for the act, demanding a proper investigation.
