‘Anti-national’ graffiti at varsity whitewashed after West Bengal CM’s ultimatum
Authorities in Kolkata have whitewashed political graffiti at Jadavpur University following a stern warning from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The move, which erased slogans and artwork, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who argue it suppresses free expression on campus.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between state political authorities and the tradition of student activism and free speech in Indian academic institutions.
Graffiti in Kolkata’s Jadavpur University was whitewashed after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern warning to weed out “anti-national” elements from within the campus. Slogans in support of Palestine and Maoist leader Kishenji were erased from the walls of the JU Arts hostel.
An older slogan on the open-air theatre that read, “Fascists do not deserve democracy. They deserve a bullet in the head,” was also covered with white paint. A portrait of American civil rights activist Audre Lorde was also erased. Graffiti and poster culture have been prevalent at Jadavpur University for decades and are inseparable from the politics of the university.
Emphasising that Jadavpur University was a reputed institution, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday (August 28, 2026) that he would not allow anti-national slogans anywhere. Mr. Adhikari also took a dig at some of the messages painted on the walls of the University.
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