Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari Targets Left Student Groups During JU Raksha Bandhan Event

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a sharp attack on Left-leaning student groups at Jadavpur University (JU) during a Raksha Bandhan programme in Bhabanipur, South Kolkata, on Friday. He criticised slogans demanding “Azadi” and references to slain Maoist leader Koteswar Rao, alias Kishenji, that he alleged had appeared on the university campus.

Adhikari questioned the continued use of such slogans in Kolkata and argued that the country had achieved Independence decades ago. Referring to alleged writings supporting Kishenji at JU, he questioned the message being conveyed by sections of the younger generation and criticised those who, according to him, did not accept the Indian Constitution.

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Adhikari urged people to remain alert to forces he described as attempting to weaken the country from within. He contrasted such internal challenges with external threats, noting that the armed forces were responsible for dealing with enemies outside the country while citizens and institutions needed to remain vigilant against activities they considered harmful to national unity.

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Adhikari also referred to his planned visit to Jadavpur University later in the day, where he was scheduled to attend a programme featuring around 10,000 voices singing the full version of “Vande Mataram”. The event was part of the Raksha Bandhan programmes being held in Kolkata. His remarks came amid continuing political debate over slogans and graffiti reported from the university campus.

Earlier in the day, Adhikari celebrated Raksha Bandhan with police personnel before attending other programmes in the city. His comments on JU add to the political focus surrounding the university, where allegations over politically sensitive graffiti and slogans have become a subject of public and administrative attention. Recent reports have also indicated that the state government ordered an inquiry into alleged graffiti at the campus.

The remarks are likely to intensify the political debate over student politics, freedom of expression and allegations of anti-national activity at educational institutions. Adhikari has previously taken a firm position on the issue, while the broader controversy continues to draw competing political interpretations in West Bengal.

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