‘Anti-national hub?’: PM Modi targets Jadavpur University, Mamata fires back: ‘Don’t insult Bengal!’
A fresh political storm has broken out over Jadavpur University after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the campus as a ‘hub of anti-national elements,’ triggering a sharp rebuttal from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and strong reactions from students and faculty.
Addressing a rally in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, Modi said Jadavpur, once globally respected, was now witnessing ‘threats inside campus’ and ‘anti-national slogans on walls’. Watch the video below:
He alleged that students were being pushed into protests instead of academics, adding that the BJP wanted to restore an environment of learning ‘instead of anarchy’ and ‘empathy instead of intimidation’.
Targeting the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, he questioned its ability to safeguard Bengal’s youth if it could not protect its premier educational institution.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back swiftly, first on social media and later at a rally in Howrah. Check her post on X below:
“Students raising their voice is not anarchy. Jadavpur University is our pride. Our youth are our pride,” she said, accusing the Prime Minister of insulting Bengal.
She also alleged that the Centre had failed to provide funds to the university while making claims about disorder on campus. Calling for resistance, she urged students and youth to protest against such remarks.
The controversy has once again spotlighted the long-standing friction between Jadavpur University and the BJP.
The campus has witnessed multiple flashpoints over the years, from protests linked to NRC and the ‘No Vote to BJP’ campaign to tensions around cultural screenings and festivals.
The alleged heckling of former Union Minister Babul Supriyo during a campus visit had earlier drawn national attention, with Supriyo now questioning the Prime Minister’s silence at the time.
Recent controversies, including graffiti such as ‘Azad Kashmir’ and clashes between student groups over ideological issues, have kept the campus in the political spotlight.
At the same time, students have also protested against the state government on issues ranging from campus safety to administrative decisions.
Following Modi’s remarks, a section of students, alumni, and professors strongly objected.
Student Indranuj Roy said being labelled ‘anti-national’ by those ‘acting against public interest’ only reinforced their commitment to democratic values.
In a statement, the teachers’ body JUTA said the university remains a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence in education and research, while also playing a key role in social justice movements.
It alleged that despite meeting all criteria, the institution had been denied ‘Institute of Eminence’ status and key central funds.
Amid the escalating political exchange, faculty members have called for restraint, urging all sides to avoid fuelling controversy and instead focus on strengthening the university’s academic and institutional development.