Protests at Jadavpur University Turn Violent, Bengal Minister Injured

New Delhi: Chaos unfolded at Jadavpur University (JU) on Saturday as members of CPI(M)'s student wing, SFI, clashed with West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, damaging his vehicle. The confrontation erupted over demands for immediate student union elections in the state.  

Basu, who was attending an annual meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), attempted to engage with the agitating students while leaving the campus. However, the situation spiraled out of control. Protesters smashed his car’s windscreen, broke the rearview mirrors, and even showed him shoes in a sign of defiance.  

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BJP Slams Mamata Government Over Student Unrest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came down heavily on the Mamata Banerjee -led TMC government, attributing the student unrest to the administration's failures. 

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya mocked Banerjee’s 2026 election ambitions, stating that the growing student dissent suggests that the TMC's political future is uncertain.  

Basu sustained injuries in the altercation and was taken to SSKM Hospital, where he complained of chest pain and hand injuries caused by broken glass. While doctors confirmed that his injuries were not severe.

SFI leader Kaushiki Bhattacharya denied allegations of violence, claiming that the students merely wanted a dialogue about student union elections. 

She accused TMC-backed outsiders of attacking student activists and alleged that two students were seriously injured when Basu’s convoy ran over their ankles.  

TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh condemned the incident, calling it a premeditated assault on the minister. 

He warned that the party’s tolerance should not be mistaken for weakness and questioned whether similar vandalism would be tolerated in BJP-ruled states where ABVP controls campuses. 

Students later on torched furniture, tore banners, and heckled faculty members, including senior professor Omprakash Mishra. 

Protesters also blocked S C Mallick Road and the 8B bus terminus for an hour, disrupting daily life before commuters intervened.