Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, staged a protest at Burdwan University.
On Thursday, July 11th, members of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, staged a protest at Burdwan University. Their demonstration significantly disrupted an ongoing executive council (EC) meeting by the interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gautam Chakraborty.
Protesting Leadership and Decision-Making:
The core of the TMCP's protest centred on their opposition to Professor Chakraborty's continued tenure as interim VC. They specifically objected to his authority to make administrative and academic decisions. Reports indicate that TMCP activists chanting slogans stormed the university's administrative building, forcing the suspension of the EC meeting.
Transparency Sought in Vice-Chancellor Selection:
The student demonstrators also targeted Registrar Sujit Chowdhury upon his arrival. Their demands included a halt to all such meetings until the Supreme Court-appointed search committee finalizes the selection process for vice-chancellors across West Bengal's 31 state universities, including Burdwan University.
Controversy Surrounds Jailed Student's PhD Application:
The protest further escalated when a TMCP spokesperson criticized the university's handling of a PhD application submitted by Arnab Dam, a jailed Maoist leader. Despite Dam's successful performance in the PhD entrance exam, the spokesperson alleged a lack of transparency and democratic process in the university's response. The spokesperson and TMC leader Kunal Ghosh declared their intention to continue protesting "until Dam is allowed to pursue his PhD." Ghosh argued that Dam's academic qualifications should be considered independent of his criminal charges.
Disruption Raises Concerns about University Operations:
While the TMCP's protest highlighted simmering tensions surrounding the university's leadership, it also caused significant disruption. The suspended EC meeting reportedly included discussions on critical administrative and academic matters, raising concerns about potential delays in these crucial university functions.