West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed Jadavpur University authorities to investigate wall graffiti carrying messages including “Free Palestine” and “Break Fascism with Red”, calling the writings “anti-national” and demanding action if those responsible are identified.
In a video posted by Adhikari, graffiti inside the Arts Division Boys’ Hostel was shown carrying slogans including “Freedom for Palestine”, “Women Hold Half the Sky” and “Long Live the CPI (Maoists)”.
Adhikari described the messages and drawings as “objectionable” and accused those behind them of promoting anti-India sentiment on a university campus.
He asked the university’s vice-chancellor, the Higher Education Department and other officials to verify the graffiti in person and establish whether the material was present as shown in the video.
If confirmed, Adhikari said authorities should identify those responsible, remove the graffiti and initiate administrative and legal action.
“Educational institutions are sacred spaces of learning, academic excellence and nation-building,” he said, adding that campuses should not be used to promote what he called “anti-India sentiment”.
The directive came after a meeting chaired by Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee with students and other stakeholders ended without a resolution on Monday.
The university has been tense following clashes between supporters of the BJP-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Left-backed Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
SFI supporters have accused members of the ABVP of attacking them with backing from the ruling party, allegations that have been disputed. The university administration and student groups have yet to reach an agreement on measures to ease tensions on campus.
Adhikari has previously said his government would seek to restore what he called “nationalism” both inside and outside the university campus following the clashes.
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