The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), has called for a statewide strike in colleges and universities across West Bengal on Monday, March 3, 2025. The strike demands the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu following an incident at Jadavpur University that left two student protestors injured. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the events leading up to the strike and its implications.
What Happened?
On March 1, students at Jadavpur University gathered to demand an immediate announcement of campus elections, which have been delayed for years. Education Minister Bratya Basu visited the campus that day, but tensions escalated when students surrounded his convoy, seeking a dialogue. Instead of addressing their concerns, Basu reportedly attempted to leave hurriedly. During this chaotic exit, two protestors were injured—one seriously—when a vehicle in his convoy grazed past them. The windscreen of the minister’s car was also damaged during the confrontation.
The SFI has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of instigating violence on campus by involving "outsiders" who allegedly vandalized university property. According to SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar, these outsiders were sheltered by TMC leaders and contributed to the unrest.
The Strike and Its Demands
In response to the incident, SFI announced a strike across higher education institutions in West Bengal. The organization is demanding Bratya Basu’s resignation, holding him accountable for the injuries sustained by the students and accusing him of "high-handed behavior." They also claim that Basu ignored the safety and concerns of students as he left the campus without addressing their grievances.
The strike is focused on university and college campuses and aims to highlight issues such as:
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Delays in conducting campus elections.
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Alleged suppression of student rights by the state government.
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The involvement of non-student elements in campus violence.
Protests and Rallies
Ahead of the strike, SFI organized rallies across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal on Sunday, March 2. In places like Bardhaman and Dinhata, heated exchanges occurred between SFI activists and police over road blockades. Despite these tensions, SFI assured that their protests would not disrupt public life outside educational institutions.
Impact on Class 12 Board Exams
The strike coincides with the first day of West Bengal’s Class 12 board exams. To ensure that students appearing for these exams are not affected, police have made extensive arrangements across the state. Additional forces have been deployed near exam centers to facilitate smooth transportation for examinees. SFI has also pledged to assist board candidates by setting up help desks near examination venues.
Government Response
While SFI continues its protests, there has been no official response from Education Minister Bratya Basu or other state authorities regarding their demands. However, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain order and prevent any disruptions during the ongoing exams.
Conclusion
The SFI strike highlights growing dissatisfaction among students over delayed campus elections and alleged government interference in educational institutions. While the immediate focus is on Bratya Basu’s resignation, the protests also reflect broader concerns about student rights and governance in West Bengal’s higher education system. As tensions rise, all eyes are on how both the government and student organizations will navigate this crisis in the coming days.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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