West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday lashed out at the Left-leaning teachers association (LTA) of Jadavpur University, alleging that the government will act against what it called the spree of Naxal ideology in the state.
Addressing the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari said the government was keen on creating Jadavpur University a centre of excellence with Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre and Rs 300 crore from the state. He questioned about any political slogans being hoisted in the campus and remarked that those indulging in activities around the Naxal ideology had been identified.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that Gopal Sen, former vice-chancellor of JU, was murdered in 1970; adding that if needed, the state could form a commission into the matter. He alleged he had memorandum of proceedings relating to the activities of teachers association of Jadavpur university (JUTA) members from the past.
The amendment Bill seeking transfers of teaching and non-teaching staff between different Universities in the state was passed by voice vote in the Assembly, following his remarks. Adhikari said he felt new universities needed to be reinforced with the help of their knowledgeable staffs from the established universities.
In an anonymous interview with a senior JU professor, who also serves on the JUTA, it was said that its real target was the teachers’ association. JUTA would not comment on the Chief Minister’s comment.
This comes to the fore after a recent skirmish on campus between the ABVP and members and supporters of left groups at Jadavpur University, which has been roiling political tensions.
The government is looking for the experience of staff at older universities to help build labs, libraries and infrastructure at newer universities, Adhikari said.