Signalling a major shift in campus politics in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday announced that the state government is preparing to revive student union elections in colleges and universities, which remained suspended for a prolonged period under the previous Trinamool Congress regime. Indicating that the process could begin as early as next year, he said the government had already held positive discussions with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Addressing an all-India conference of medical students associated with the ABVP at RG Kar Medical College, Adhikari said student politics had played a crucial role in shaping his own political career. He indicated that restoring campus elections would be a significant step towards reviving student participation in the state’s political and academic landscape.

‘We are all products of student politics’

Recalling his political journey, the Chief Minister said student politics had provided the foundation for his rise in public life.

“We are all products of student politics. It was by standing among friends and delivering speeches during breaks between classes that I reached where I am today,” he said.

Adhikari disclosed that he had already held constructive discussions with the ABVP observer responsible for West Bengal regarding the resumption of campus elections. His remarks suggested that the government was moving towards a roadmap for holding polls across colleges and universities.

He also projected the proposed elections as an opportunity to strengthen nationalist sentiment on campuses, expressing confidence that educational institutions across the state would soon echo with chants of “Vande Mataram”.

Jadavpur University under fire over ‘Azadi’ slogans

Alongside the announcement on student elections, Adhikari launched a sharp attack on what he described as the influence of Left-Naxal groups and separatist politics in educational institutions, singling out Jadavpur University.

While acknowledging the university’s standing as a “Centre of Excellence”, he claimed that the Narendra Modi-led Union government was providing financial assistance worth Rs 1,000 crore to the institution. He, however, questioned the presence of slogans such as “Azadi” and “Kashmir Mange Azadi” on its campus.

Invoking the legacy of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Adhikari asserted that Kashmir was an integral part of India and criticised those raising slogans that, in his view, challenged.

Suvendu Adhikari plans to revive student union elections in West Bengal colleges and universities, possibly next year.

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