Why is Jadavpur University in Kolkata on the boil? | Explained
Tensions have escalated at Jadavpur University following clashes between ABVP and Left-wing student unions. The conflict, centered on the legitimacy of student meetings and campus governance, has resulted in injuries and police involvement.
Why it matters
The situation reflects broader political polarization within Indian academic institutions, where student unions often mirror national political divides.
The story so far: In the early hours of August 20, a group of activists of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) stormed into the campus of Jadavpur University. The activists, who were armed with batons and sticks, tore posters of the Left students’ union. The men also set the posters on fire at the entrance of Aurobindo Bhawan, the main administrative complex of the university.
The dispute between the two student groups — ABVP and Left student unions — including the Students Federation of India (SFI), started on Wednesday (August 19) over a ‘general body’ meeting. The ABVP supporters claimed that the Left-wing supporters cannot call such a meeting as no student union exists at the university. No student elections have been held for the past few years in educational institutions of West Bengal.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in