Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took aim at the West Bengal government over the condition of Jadavpur University, alleging growing unrest on campus and the presence of “anti-national slogans.”
Speaking at an election rally in Jadavpur, Modi said the institution, once widely respected for its academic standing, is now witnessing disruption and instability. He accused the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of failing to maintain order at the university.
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“We want an academic atmosphere here, not chaos. We want dialogue here, not threats,” Modi said, adding that students should be able to focus on studies rather than protests.
The Prime Minister alleged that threats are being issued within the campus and students are being compelled to participate in protests. He said Jadavpur University was once regarded as a centre of academic excellence and national pride.
Students and teachers react to PM Modi’s remarks
The remarks drew sharp reactions from within the university, with students and faculty rejecting the characterisation of the campus.
Dr. Iman Kalyan Lahiri of Department of International Relations at Jadavpur University defended student activism.
"Right to resent, and right to raise their voice is the fundamental right of every student. Who will raise the voice if the student doesn't? The idea of nationalism and anti-nationalism is quite different. India is governed by the Constitution, on a historically given land. So, any violation of the Constitution is a major problem for a nationalist institution like Jadavpur University. "
He further said, "The students know that individuals like Aurobindo Ghosh, Chittaranjan Das have a stake in the university. Our struggle against the British was not to gain political independence only. We struggled to get cultural, social and political independence as well. We strive for the 'other' independence, for whatever is going wrong in our country. So, when the problems prevail, when a powerful government has failed to sort out problems in several states of India - we protest for that. This is not an anti-national approach, it is only to build a nation where everyone has dignity."
"Jadavpur University is a prestigious institution where students can still complete their graduation and post-graduation at nominal fee structures at a time when private institutions outside West Bengal are charging lakhs for the same. The West Bengal government has acknowledged issues related to Jadavpur University on multiple occasions and the Trinamool Chatra Parishad vows to keep a close eye on activities within the university and uphold it's integrity," said Kishalay Roy, President, TMCP Unit at Jadavpur University.
Dr Manojit Mandal of the English Department said, “I think the Prime Minister is completely misguided. Most of the students of Jadavpur University are not like that. There are few students who are writing these kinds of slogans, and we are trying to engage with them. They have somehow been misguided, but the number is very less. The Prime Minister should be advised not to paint all of us like that.”
He added that the statement unfairly generalises the institution. “We are all nationalists, and we believe in nationalism… this is a completely misdirected statement, and he should stand corrected.”
On the other hand, Rajarshi Lahiri supported the Prime Minister’s remarks. “What the Prime Minister has said is absolutely correct. Jadavpur University has been blessed by Rishi Aurobindo. The institution was built by Indians who opposed the British education system. The Roy family of Bhagyakul, the Acharya Chowdhurys of Mymensingh, Raja Subodh Mullick - everyone donated for the creation of this institution. Rabindranath Tagore is part of Jadavpur's soul. When Gopal Sen was murdered during the Naxalite period, because some were against holding exams - the down sliding began then. After that, one after another student was killed during the Left's regime, and the murders were painted as suicides."
He further said, "At present, the condition of education in JU, the fall in rankings say everything. Protests are a part of democracy, but they have even made protests obscene. Protests against installation of CCTVs by the leftists, and everyday one can find intoxicating substances lying around the campus. The playgrounds fill with smoke once the sun goes down. People are attacked for screening movies; there is no place for democracy in the campus. They still believe, like the age-old Leftists, that the 'tip of the gun is the road to freedom.' This is what happens at Jadavpur University."
Doctoral researcher Fazle Wakil echoed concerns about how dissent is being framed. He said, "Targeting and singling out an educational institution, like Jadavpur University is very unfortunate and disappointing from a sitting PM. Jadavpur University has always been a hub of academic excellence, political and liberal values. His claims of anti-national activities are totally baseless and maligning. Jadavpur allows every kind of ideologies and beliefs to thrive, even to which we do not agree. So, this claim is simply to vilify the students and the institution. "
Wakil further added, 'The institution that has been built on movements for independence will surely have an environment to protest and dissent against any kinds of establishment. So, students does and will rise to protest against any sort of injustice meted out to the society. Any government trying to suppress the dissent of student voices is the sign of a dictatorial mindset."
He concluded by saying that the academic excellence of Jadavpur University over the years, despite no funds from the Central and state government, proves the credibility of the institution and the students.
"The PM using this kind of language against an institution to garner votes proves his frustration before his defeat in the assembly polls."
Anushna Das who is a second-year student in the department of Film studies at Jadavpur University said, "The reaction is this, he is saying that anti-national slogans are written on walls, or that the academic environment has deteriorated. That’s essentially his claim. But as I also wrote in my status, how does he have the audacity to say such big things?"
"In BJP-ruled states, incidents of violence against women, including rape, are among the highest. On one hand, Jadavpur University is ahead in NIRF rankings, and on the other, the states under his rule are leading in crimes against women. In fact, they top an entirely different list when it comes to such crimes."
"And yet, that same Prime Minister now wants to lecture me about my university? About Jadavpur University?
Jadavpur University has a legacy of dissent. That is one of its most defining characteristics. The fact that he feels so uncomfortable, even fearful, about what is written or painted on the university walls—that he has to bring it up in a speech—shows how much it is affecting him. When Jadavpur’s walls find a mention in the Prime Minister’s speech, it means the issue has reached a point where it is genuinely making them uncomfortable."
"And that is exactly what we want. That is why Jadavpur University is still what it is today. Because whenever those in power, those who run the state, have tried to assert control or dictate how things should function, we have resisted. That is who we are. If he feels uncomfortable, if he is afraid, if he is disturbed, good. We are glad. This fear is what we want. We want him to feel that fear."
Mamata Banerjee hits back
In response to the statements, the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee hit back sharply, in support of the university and its students.
“Is this the way how you describe the meritorious students of the esteemed Jadavpur University?… Jadavpur University has been receiving top ranks from your Government’s NIRF ranking framework year after year, and you descend to insult that centre of excellence?” she said.
She also countered the Prime Minister’s claims by pointing to broader issues across the country, stating, “Anarchy is not students raising their voices… Anarchy is refusing accountability, refusing questions.”
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She went further with another sharp observation, saying that the culture of protest at the Jadavpur University is central to the institution's identity. “If he feels uncomfortable… good. We are glad. This is what we want. That is why Jadavpur University is still what it is today,” she said.
The exchange underscores how the university has become a political flashpoint in the ongoing election campaign, with competing narratives around dissent, governance and academic spaces taking centre stage.
