Condemn the cruel display of power by WB Education Minister Bratya Basu inside University premises
On March 1, the West Bengal Education Minister arrived at Jadavpur University in response to a call by WBCUPS, a teachers' organization influenced by the ruling Trinamool Congress. Representatives of left-leaning student organizations, including AISA, SFI, and others, sought to democratically submit a memorandum to the minister. Their demands included announcing a concrete timeline for long-pending student union elections in state Colleges and universities, as well as opposing the climate of intimidation fostered by Trinamool's student wing on campuses. However, they were denied this opportunity.
Subsequently, left-wing students organized a sit-in protest. During the demonstration, Trinamool supporters escalated tensions by hurling water bottles, chairs, and other objects at the protesters. Later, as the minister’s convoy attempted to exit the university premises, it encountered a student blockade. Acting on the "cultured" minister’s orders, the convoy vehicles reportedly drove over the protesting students, leaving four critically injured. They are currently hospitalized.
CPI(ML) West Bengal State Committee condemning the brutality said that “we are appalled that a minister entrusted with safeguarding campus democracy and freedom of expression in Bengal’s prestigious institutions has instead orchestrated such an autocratic act of repression!”
"We demand an immediate high-level investigation into this unprecedented atrocity and the removal of the Education Minister from office,” the statement from state committee noted.
All India Protest Calls For Resignation of Bratya Basu
On March 3, as part of AISA's All India Protest Day, students and AISA activists along with various democratic organisations organized protest marches in West Bengal’s Jadavpur, Delhi and other places. In Jadavpur, a massive march was organized condemning the violent attack on students and demanded the resignation of WB education minister. In Delhi, a protest demonstration at the Banga Bhavan.
The protest also called for immediate steps to be taken to organize student union elections and ensure campus democracy.
