Ritabrata Banerjee-led TMC faction demands immediate students’ union polls in colleges
A faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee has demanded that the West Bengal government immediately conduct long-overdue students' union elections in colleges and universities. The group also criticized the ruling BJP government for appointing its own MPs and MLAs to lead college governing bodies, alleging continued political interference in higher education.
Why it matters
The ongoing suspension of student elections and the politicization of college governing bodies in West Bengal highlight a significant tension regarding democratic representation and institutional autonomy in Indian higher education.
West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress group on Friday (August 28, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of not taking any initiative to hold student union elections and demanded immediate polls in all colleges and universities in the State.
“Our only demand is elections to students’ bodies in all colleges and universities, as otherwise the students’ movement will be hampered. There should also be an upper age limit for those holding the post of student leaders in the party,” he said while addressing the foundation day programme of the students’ wing of the TMC faction led by him.
Mr. Banerjee demanded that the government make a clear statement on whether it will conduct the students’ union election or not. He said that BJP must work on their promises instead of following former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
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