Kolkata: On April 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that anti-national messages are appearing on the walls of Jadavpur University’s campus, holding the West Bengal government responsible for not protecting the state’s premier educational facility. Speaking at an election event in Jadavpur, he claimed that threats occur within the campus and students are compelled to join demonstrations. He noted that the institution was formerly a symbol of national pride.
“Jadavpur University was once globally respected. This campus was built on principles of patriotism. But now, threats are made inside, anti-national phrases are written on walls, and students are pushed into street protests rather than academics,” he remarked. “We seek a learning-focused environment, not disorder. We want discussions, not intimidation. If a government cannot safeguard its major educational center, how can it protect Bengal’s prospects or the future of its young people?” added PM Modi.
He further charged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with undermining Bengal’s character by permitting unauthorized migrants to settle in the state. “Over the past 15 years, the TMC administration has eroded Bengal’s essence. Infiltrators are being introduced and housed here. They are seizing local lands and displacing residents’ means of living. Alongside TMC’s graft, there’s the burden from these intruders. Bengal’s youth must migrate for work. The remedy will arrive once TMC is fully ousted and BJP assumes control decisively,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi supported BJP contender Sarbari Mukherjee against TMC’s incumbent legislator Debabrata Majumdar. The Jadavpur constituency was previously dominated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) during Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s era. In 2021, Majumdar secured a slim win over ex-legislator Sujan Chakraborty. For this election, CPI(M) has nominated Bikashranjan Bhattacharya to recapture the area.
Voting for the first phase of the Assembly elections ended at 6 pm on April 23, with West Bengal achieving a voter participation rate of 92.88 percent, as reported by the Election Commission of India. The elevated turnout reflects strong civic involvement, with voting concluding under strict security in the regions. The next phase of polling is set for April 29, followed by vote tallying on May 4.
(With inputs from ANI)
