Kolkata: Student union elections, which were postponed for a long time, will now be conducted in the colleges and universities of West Bengal. Amid the dispute between student organisations at Jadavpur University, Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has announced they will hold elections soon. Speaking to reporters after an event outside the university, he said that elections will be held and he is hopeful that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) will win in many campuses.
Why was the decision taken on student union elections?
Student union elections have not been held in many higher educational institutions of West Bengal for a long time. Opposition parties have been continuously raising this issue. He has been saying that students in colleges and universities should get a chance to choose representatives of their choice. After the recent clash between student groups in Jadavpur University, this issue became heated again. In such an environment, the government’s announcement of holding elections is being considered a big step for campus politics.
What happened in Jadavpur University?
On 19 and 20 August, there were clashes between leftist student organisations and students associated with ABVP on the Jadavpur University campus. During this time, a historical symbol of the university was also damaged. Later it was reinstalled. The campus atmosphere had become tense after the incident.
Amidst this controversy, Shubhendu Adhikari participated in a programme organised outside the university. He said that nationalist ideas have found a place in many universities of the country and now such a change will be seen in Jadavpur University also.
What did Shubhendu Adhikari say regarding the student union elections?
The officer clearly said that student union elections will be conducted soon. He also expressed confidence about the possible electoral success of ABVP. It is clear from his statement that the competition in the campus politics of the state may intensify in the coming days. However, the government has not yet announced the election date. Therefore, it remains to be seen when the election process starts and in which colleges and universities the voting will be conducted first.
What is the officer’s stance regarding Jadavpur University?
Shubhendu Adhikari has been vocal about Jadavpur University in the past also. He says that the impact of nationalist activities that have increased in campuses like Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Hyderabad University and Osmania University will reach Jadavpur as well. Citing ABVP’s protests, he said that this change will not be stopped.
Why will surveillance be increased in the university?
Apart from student politics, the officer has also talked about strictness on security arrangements and drug related matters in Jadavpur University. He has given instructions to increase monitoring of the university. There has also been talk of taking the help of drones to keep an eye on drug smuggling and use.
The government is also keeping an eye on hostels. Shubhendu Adhikari has raised questions on the issue of former students who have not vacated the hostel for a long time. The Higher Education Department has been asked to keep an eye on this matter.
Will the elections change the campus politics of Bengal?
In case of student union elections, it is certain that political activities will increase in universities and colleges. Especially in an institution like Jadavpur University, the contest between ABVP, left organisations and other student groups could be interesting.
At present the government has announced holding elections, but the date has not been revealed. In such a situation, now all eyes are on when the state higher education department starts the formal process of elections.
