‘Who Represents the Government?’ JU Students, Professors Question Conflicting Voices Over Campus

 

The controversy surrounding Jadavpur University (JU) has intensified after differing statements from senior political leaders left professors and students questioning who officially represents the state government’s position on the campus.

Several members of the JU community have described the branding of the entire university as “anti-national” as unfortunate, pointing to the institution’s long-standing national traditions and participation in government-directed programmes.

Associate professor of electrical engineering Arindam Kumar Sil said the conflicting statements were creating confusion among stakeholders.

“The government is for, by, and of the people. JU is a state government institution. From its convocation to various programmes, it operates on government orders. Such differing voices create fragmentation. There should be some clarity from the government,” Sil said.

He added that the chief minister, as the head of the state government, represents the state irrespective of which political party is in power. “We hope there is a unified government statement,” he said.

Philosophy professor Maushumi Guha also expressed concern over the differing political positions. Calling JU her alma mater, she said she had left everything behind to teach at the university and was “confused and upset” about the statements and their purpose.

The controversy erupted after a senior BJP leader alleged that “tukde tukde gangs” and “anti-nationals” were present at JU and claimed that students were not allowed to chant Vande Mataram or hoist the national flag on campus.

Following the remarks, several JU professors took to social media to share photographs and videos showing the National Flag being hoisted and students and teachers singing the National Anthem and Vande Mataram.

Other senior members of the state government have adopted a more conciliatory tone. Municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said damage to the JU emblem could not be accepted, while finance minister Swapan Dasgupta said student agitation should not be hijacked by professional politicians.

A senior university official said there was a misconception about the presence of “anti-national” elements at JU. The official pointed out that Governor R N Ravi had attended the university’s 150th celebrations of Vande Mataram, where the song was sung.

The official also noted that programmes communicated by the higher education department, including Paschimbanga Dibas, were observed by the university. JU also hoisted the National Flag on Independence Day and celebrated Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary.

The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) said the university was born out of the legacy of India’s freedom movement and represented national heritage and dignity. It highlighted JU’s traditions of celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day and singing Vande Mataram and the National Anthem at convocations.

Meanwhile, the SFI JU local committee invited the chief minister to visit the campus for an open discussion. Secretary Abhinaba Basu said the information reaching the chief minister was allegedly incorrect and called for a healthy debate.

SFI said ideological differences may exist among student groups, but asserted that there was no disagreement over their love for the country.