Student activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), enforced a strike across university campuses in West Bengal on Monday, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu. The agitation follows an altercation at Jadavpur University (JU) on March 1, where Basu’s convoy injured two students attempting to stop him from leaving the campus amid protests over student union elections. The minister was also injured after protesters damaged his car’s windshield.
By Monday morning, campuses of Jadavpur University and Presidency University in Kolkata looked deserted as students, faculty, and staff largely stayed away, while SFI activists ensured compliance with the day-long strike. Other universities, including Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University, and Burdwan University, were partially affected, with some classes disrupted but semester exams continuing.
Tensions flared at JU when Basu, after attending the AGM of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), attempted to leave despite student demands for a discussion. According to SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar, the minister’s high-handed behavior escalated tensions, leading to the clash.
Sarkar accused Basu of being escorted by TMC-aligned “outsiders”, who allegedly instigated violence. He further alleged that Basu’s convoy sped away without concern for student safety, injuring two students—one seriously. SFI has now demanded Basu’s resignation and police action against him.
While SFI activists avoided disrupting vehicular movement, ensuring that students could reach their examination centers without obstruction, the strike exposed growing tensions on Bengal’s university campuses. The SFI has also pledged to assist higher secondary examinees by setting up help camps near examination centers.
With political rivalries spilling onto university grounds, the escalation of student protests signals deeper unrest in Bengal’s education sector, raising questions about ministerial accountability and student rights.
