Kolkata, Aug 2026 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said his government would take firm steps to counter what he described as “anti-national activities” at Jadavpur University (JU), asserting that the spirit of nationalism would be strengthened on the campus “at any cost.”
Addressing a programme organised in connection with the Annapurna Yojana in his Bhabanipur constituency in South Kolkata, Adhikari launched a strong attack on those criticising the state government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over recent clashes at the university.
Referring to the confrontations between members of the CPI(M)-affiliated Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the BJP’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Chief Minister alleged that several activities associated with national symbols were being prevented on the campus.
“They do not let Vande Mataram be sung in JU. The national flag is not hoisted there. They do not let Education Department officials enter the university campus. They do not let CCTV cameras be installed there. But we will establish nationalism inside and outside Jadavpur,” he said.
Adhikari said that, as the administrative head of the state, he was determined to ensure that nationalist values and respect for the country’s symbols were upheld. He also criticised sections of social media users whom he accused of sympathising with those involved in the campus unrest.
“I have seen many people crying on social media over the JU clashes,” he said, while insisting that there could be no compromise on patriotism, nationalism and the state’s identity.
The Chief Minister also referred to slogans allegedly raised in support of Kashmir’s independence and said those promoting such views could not be allowed to undermine national unity. He stressed that respect for national symbols and the country’s sovereignty was essential.
Adhikari further said that criticism from sections of the media would not influence the government’s position. He alleged that some sections had been sympathetic towards individuals who did not observe national occasions such as Republic Day and Independence Day.
“This state government is here to fulfil the dream of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. There will be no compromise with nationalism and traditional culture,” Adhikari said.
The remarks came against the backdrop of two clashes at Jadavpur University involving students affiliated with SFI and ABVP. Several students from both groups were reportedly injured during the confrontations, heightening tensions on the campus.
Police have registered two First Information Reports in connection with the incidents. However, no arrests have been reported so far.
The developments at Jadavpur University have triggered a wider political debate in West Bengal, with rival political groups trading allegations over campus security, student politics and the role of nationalist symbols in educational institutions. The latest statements by the Chief Minister are likely to intensify that debate in the days ahead.
