Jadavpur University, long seen as a centre of student activism in Kolkata, has once again reflected its evolving political landscape through the recent Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) elections. While the CPI(M)-backed Students' Federation of India (SFI) retained its dominance in the Arts faculty, the results also signal a gradual shift, with the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) emerging as the second-largest force in the postgraduate Arts segment.
The elections were held across the Arts, Science, and Engineering faculties at a time when demands for full-fledged student union polls have been growing louder in the state. The ICC polls, though limited in scope, were viewed by many as a partial response to that demand.
Left retains ground, new shifts emerge
SFI secured victory in the Arts faculty, continuing its traditional hold over the campus. Meanwhile, independent student groups such as We The Independent (WTI) and Democratic Students' Front (DSF) maintained their influence in the Science and Engineering faculties, respectively.
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However, TMCP's second-place finish in the postgraduate Arts faculty has drawn attention. The result is being seen by some as an indication of changing political preferences among a section of students in a campus historically aligned with Left ideology.
TMCP calls result a 'win'
Speaking to News Ei Samay, TMCP leaders described the outcome as a significant step forward. Jadavpur University TMCP unit president Kishalay Roy said, "We can proudly say, in the Arts faculty, we claimed the second position. We can be called the 'leader of the opposition'. We are in the second position, and we are the prime opposition. It is a victory for us, and we will continue our fight. One day, we will win the union elections as well."
Tirtharaj Bardhan, a postgraduate student and TMCP candidate, added, "I was the candidate for the PG levels of Arts. I think that the students of Jadavpur University have voted for an alternative. We stand as the only political alternative in Jadavpur University. Along with that, I think it's a huge defeat for all the unconstitutional, undemocratic, left forces who exist on this campus… This is to defeat the undemocratic nexus that affects students' academic activities on campus. I would term it as a win."
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'Alternative to ultra left'
Other members also stressed the importance of the electoral process itself. Indrajit Kumar said, "The campus elections were conducted very well, and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad performed really well. The SFI has won it in the Arts faculty, and we have the second place. Whoever won or lost, that doesn't matter. But the campus needed an election, and an election is required for a democracy to sustain."
Sankalpa Chakraborty echoed similar views, stating, "As an alternative to far left and ultra left organisations… the TMCP has taken the second position in the Arts faculty… that is a change in political discourse that clearly shows that students… are preferring TMCP as an alternative."
