‘Either they will stay, or we will’: Suvendu Adhikari's warning to Jadavpur students over 'Azadi' slogans
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday issued a stern warning to a section of students at Jadavpur University, declaring that his government would not tolerate what he described as “anti-national” activities on the campus.
“Either they will stay, or we will. There will be nothing in between,” Adhikari said, referring to students he accused of raising “Azadi” slogans and writing messages such as “Free Kashmir” and “Red Salute Kishenji” on the university campus.
‘Days of compromise are over’
Addressing the “10,000 Voices Vande Mataram” programme near the 8B Bus Stand in Jadavpur, Adhikari said his government would not follow what he described as the “appeasement” policies of previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments.
Photo by Avishek Mitra/IBNS
He alleged that Jadavpur University had for decades been swayed by “foreign-influenced Communists” and claimed that the previous Left government had encouraged activities that distanced students from Independence Day, Republic Day, Sanatan traditions, Indian culture and Bengali heritage.
Adhikari also accused the Trinamool Congress government of compromising with a section of students for electoral gains.
Maoist allegations and past confrontation
Recalling his visit to Jadavpur University as Leader of Opposition during a ragging-related incident, Adhikari alleged that some students had climbed onto his vehicle, identified themselves as Maoists and shouted “Go Back”.
He claimed that although two people were detained at the time, they were later released following instructions from the then state Home Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Chief Minister also referred to recent student protests, alleging that slogans raised during a NEET-related programme had little connection with students' demands.
Photo by Avishek Mitra/IBNS
He further claimed that some students were forcibly taken from hostels and made to wear Che Guevara T-shirts, while those who refused were threatened.
Adhikari targets protests over Operation Sindoor
The Chief Minister also criticised protests held during Operation Sindoor, alleging that slogans such as “war nahi, shanti chahiye” and demands relating to Kashmir were raised instead of condemning militant attacks.
“What freedom do you want? Freedom to consume heroin, ganja and drugs? Freedom for the tukde-tukde gang?” Adhikari asked.
He warned that his government would take action against drug-related activities and what he described as Maoist influence on the campus.
‘Action in Jadavpur like Nandigram, Junglemahal’
Drawing a parallel with Nandigram and Junglemahal, Adhikari said his government had “eliminated” Communist and Maoist influence in those areas and suggested that similar action would be taken in Jadavpur.
His remarks came amid heightened political focus on Jadavpur University and its student politics, with the Chief Minister positioning the Vande Mataram programme as an assertion of nationalism.
Thousands join Vande Mataram programme
Earlier, Adhikari stood barefoot on the road holding the national flag as thousands of people sang “Vande Mataram”.
Photo by Avishek Mitra/IBNS
He said the programme was aimed at strengthening the “bond of nationalism” and added that he attended despite heavy rain out of respect for the national flag.
Traffic movement along Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road was suspended between 1 pm and 6 pm for the event, while four gates of Jadavpur University were also kept closed.
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