3 days ago
Jadavpur University Whitewashes Graffiti After Suvendu Adhikari Criticism
Some walls at Jadavpur University had political messages written on them.
Suvendu Adhikari said some of the messages were anti-national and should not be allowed.
University workers then painted over the writing.
Officials said they were simply cleaning and beautifying the campus, not obeying political pressure.
The student group SFI disagreed with the decision.
It said the university has a long history of protest against imperialism and fascism.
The argument is now about whether campus walls should carry political messages.
It also raises questions about nationalism and freedom of expression at universities.
Jadavpur University authorities whitewashed controversial wall graffiti on Saturday and Sunday, days after Suvendu Adhikari criticised it.
Adhikari objected to slogans including “Kashmir wants freedom,” “Red salute to Kishenji,” “Azad Kashmir,” and calls to restore Article 370.
University officials said the work was routine cleaning and beautification, not a response to political pressure.
The Students’ Federation of India accused the authorities of erasing Jadavpur University’s tradition of protest and dissent.
The dispute has intensified debate over nationalism, political expression and academic freedom following a recent ABVP-Left student clash.
- Who
- Jadavpur University authorities, Suvendu Adhikari, Minister Agnimitra Pal and the Students’ Federation of India are central to the dispute.
- What
- Controversial political graffiti on university walls was painted over after criticism from Adhikari.
- Where
- Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- When
- The cleaning began on Saturday and the whitewashing was reported on Sunday, days after Adhikari’s Friday remarks.
- Why
- Adhikari described some slogans as anti-national or objectionable, while the university cited cleanliness and beautification; SFI said the move threatened the campus’s protest tradition.
Government and Nationalist Concerns
Campus Dissent and Academic Freedom
Meaning of the graffiti
Government and Nationalist Concerns
Adhikari and Minister Agnimitra Pal described some slogans as anti-national, objectionable or inappropriate for a reputed educational institution.
Campus Dissent and Academic Freedom
SFI said several slogans opposed the RSS and fascism, reflecting Jadavpur University’s history of dissent rather than anti-national activity.
Reason for whitewashing
Government and Nationalist Concerns
The graffiti was painted over after Adhikari directed that alleged anti-national slogans and garbage be removed, according to the report’s political framing.
Campus Dissent and Academic Freedom
University officials denied acting under pressure and said the work was routine cleaning and beautification; SFI said it erased the campus’s protest tradition.
Campus priorities
Government and Nationalist Concerns
Adhikari and Pal said the university should promote nationalism and focus on studies, with Pal promising support for students’ academic goals.
Campus Dissent and Academic Freedom
SFI argued that political and anti-imperialist expression is part of the university’s historical identity and should not be removed by painting over the walls.
Key facts
- Graffiti cited
- The reports mention “Kashmir wants freedom,” “Kashmir Maange Azaadi,” “Red salute to Kishenji,” “Azad Kashmir,” and calls to restore Article 370.
- University position
- A senior official said the walls were painted for routine cleanliness and beautification, without political pressure.
- Student response
- SFI accused the university of trying to erase its tradition of protest and threatened to write similar anti-imperialist and anti-fascist slogans again.
- Adhikari’s programme
- Adhikari criticised the slogans during a Friday Vande Mataram programme near the university.
- Drug-monitoring warning
- Adhikari said drones would be flown over the campus to monitor alleged consumption of ganja, drugs and heroin.
- Proposed investment
- Adhikari referred to a proposed Union government-linked Centre of Excellence involving Rs 1,000 crore.
- Recent tension
- The controversy followed a recent clash between ABVP members and Left student organisations at the university.
Quotes
A senior Jadavpur University official
University official who explained the rationale for the cleaning and painting work
“A lot of writings on the campus walls look unsightly. We have done this only to maintain cleanliness and for beautification, which has been done earlier as well.”
telegraphindia.com
“We want our students to make a name abroad and achieve recognition like students of foreign universities who have won Nobel Prizes.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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