Jadavpur University Graffiti Row: Suvendu Adhikari orders probe into 'anti-national' drawings

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday directed the Jadavpur University vice-chancellor and senior officials of the state Higher Education Department to immediately inquire into alleged "anti-national" graffiti and drawings reported from the Arts Boys Hostel, amid tension on the campus.

In a social media post, Adhikari said the Chief Minister's Office had received videos and photographs through its Grievance Cell from students of the university showing what he described as "objectionable, sociopathic, violent and anti-national wall graffiti & drawings" on the hostel premises. He directed the university authorities to conduct an on-ground physical verification of the hostel area and, if the allegations were found to be true, identify those responsible and initiate action.

Jadavpur university anti-national graffiti probe ordered

"Educational institutions are sacred spaces of learning, academic excellence and nation-building. Under no circumstances will campus premises be permitted to be used as platforms for spreading deranged propaganda and anti-India sentiment," Adhikari said.

The developments come amid recent clashes between ABVP and Left-leaning students, during which the emblem of the university at one of the gates was also damaged. The chief minister said the state government would follow a "zero-tolerance policy" towards activities it considers anti-national, particularly on educational campuses.

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Action sought over Jadavpur university graffiti

"If the presence of such anti-national messaging and deranged psychotic drawings is verified, immediate steps must be taken to remove the graffiti, fix accountability and initiate strict administrative and legal action against those responsible," he said.

Earlier in the day, Adhikari said that slogans and activities glorifying slain Maoist Mallojula Koteswara Rao, better known as 'Kishenji', would not be allowed on Jadavpur University campus. He also said action would be taken against those glorifying Kishenji, on the basis of documents and videos in possession with the government.

Kishenji slogans banned on campus

"'Kishenji red salute' will not be allowed at Jadavpur. We have all the documents. Action will be taken," Adhikari told reporters at state secretariat Nabanna. The chief minister said the situation at the university, which recently witnessed clashes between ABVP and Left students, was normal and classes were being held. "Everything is normal in Jadavpur. Classes were held today as well. There is no problem," he said.

Jadavpur university clashes draw governemt criticism

Adhikari also criticised what he described as "silence over the Pulwama terror attack and opposition to Operation Sindoor", saying such conduct would not be tolerated in a BJP-ruled state. Adhikari said that August 28, which falls on Raksha Bandhan, would be observed as Patriotism Day across West Bengal.

Also read Jadavpur University Violence: ABVP, left-leaning groups clash; several students injured

He said around 4,000 programmes would be organised across the state and added that the full rendition of Vande Mataram would be sung at Jadavpur University on the day. Adhikari had on August 22 alleged that Vande Mataram is not sung on the campus, the national flag is not hoisted, Education Department officials are prevented from entering it and CCTV cameras are not allowed to be installed.