SFI Calls Strike in Bengal Universities, Colleges Over Minister’s Resignation Demand

New Delhi: CPI(M) students wing Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has called for a strike in higher education institutions across West Bengal on Monday, March 3. The strike demands the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu, whom SFI holds responsible for injuries sustained by two protestors during a student demonstration at Jadavpur University.  

The incident occurred when students surrounded the minister’s convoy, demanding an immediate announcement of campus elections. As his vehicle left the premises, two protesters were reportedly injured, sparking outrage among student organizations.  

SFI has accused the state government of suppressing student rights and delaying campus elections. 

According to Shuvajit Sarkar, SFI state committee member, the strike is primarily focused on university campuses, condemning the “entry of outsiders sheltered by TMC who instigated the violence and vandalism in the Jadavpur university campus on March 1”. Sarkar alleged that Basu's behavior was "high-handed" and that he tried to leave the campus without addressing the students' concerns.

CPI(M) West Bengal secretary Md Salim assured that the strike would be confined within university campuses, with no disruptions expected outside.

The SFI has organised rallies in the city and other parts of the state, protesting against the injuries sustained by the student protesters. The left student activists have vowed to continue their protest, with heated arguments reported between SFI activists and police in some areas.

The authorities, meanwhile, are yet to respond to SFI’s demands.