Kolkata: Jadavpur University, a prestigious institution in West Bengal, has become the center of a political and social controversy after graffiti with slogans such as “Azad Kashmir” and “Free Palestine” appeared on its campus. The graffiti, painted in black near Gate No. 3, has triggered a heated debate among students, faculty, and political groups.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) student wing has accused ultra-left student organizations of being behind the graffiti, while the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with the CPI(M), has denied any involvement. SFI leaders clarified that while they oppose the repression of minorities, they do not support secessionist views.
Adding to the tension, the alleged presence of plainclothes police personnel on campus has further agitated students and faculty members. Activists from SFI and other student unions have demanded the immediate removal of police personnel, accusing the ruling TMC of intimidation tactics. The university administration, however, stated that it had not summoned the police and was unaware of their presence inside the campus.
The controversy comes amid ongoing protests at Jadavpur University, which began after two students were injured during a demonstration on March 1. The injuries reportedly occurred when vehicles in the convoy of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu grazed past the protesters. An FIR has been filed against Basu and a TMC-affiliated professor in connection with the incident.
The university administration is now under pressure to address the growing unrest on campus. While classes and examinations have continued as scheduled, the graffiti and subsequent developments have sparked a broader debate on freedom of expression, campus safety, and political interference in educational institutions.
