Kolkata, 10 September (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday took a strong stand in the Assembly over alleged anti-national and controversial political slogans raised on the Jadavpur University campus, warning that strict action would be taken against those involved.

During a discussion on a bill related to the transfer of university teachers, Adhikari referred to slogans such as “Kashmir wants freedom” and “Lal Salam to Comrade Kishanji” allegedly raised on the campus. He said such activities would not be allowed at the university, which has historical links with Sri Aurobindo.

Adhikari said there should be a limit to “indiscipline” and referred to slogans supporting Palestine written on walls of the university’s Arts department, as well as slogans in support of Kishanji. He alleged that Kishanji’s activities had resulted in the deaths of a large number of innocent people.

The Chief Minister said any force attempting to “divide India” would not be tolerated and claimed that those involved in such activities had already been identified. Referring to the so-called “tukde-tukde gang”, he issued a warning, saying, “We will tear you apart.”

Adhikari also said action should be taken not only against students involved in such activities but also against those who allegedly “brainwash” them. Referring to the killing of former Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Gopal Sen, he said the government could constitute a commission, if necessary, to examine the matter and bring the history of the university to light.

The Chief Minister said the government wanted to make positive use of the expertise and talent of university teachers. Experienced teachers could be posted to newer or weaker universities to strengthen them, he said, adding that the objective was to make proper use of their capabilities.

Adhikari also levelled allegations against a section of Jadavpur University teachers, claiming that some of them target saffron ideology while projecting themselves as followers of the Left. He alleged that such teachers did not organise marches against the Pahalgam terror attack but later participated in rallies calling for peace rather than war following Operation Sindoor.

The Chief Minister said the time was appropriate to eliminate the roots of Naxalite ideology. He made it clear in the Assembly that activities allegedly directed against the unity and integrity of the country would not be tolerated on university campuses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh