‘Tarnishes JU’s image’: West Bengal minister Swapan Dasgupta on Jadavpur University clash

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta expressed deep concern over the violent clash that erupted at Jadavpur University this week. The conflict between rival student groups, the ABVP and SFI, resulted in damage to university property and tarnished the image of the prestigious institution. Dasgupta condemned the "physical clash between two groups" as unfortunate and damaging to the state's reputation.

The university emblem, originally designed by Nandalal Bose, was damaged during the incident, causing the minister to express particular anguish over the disrespect shown to the historic heritage. Charges were filed against unknown individuals for arson, vandalism, and unlawful assembly, with a police probe underway. Dasgupta urged political entities to stay away from the incident and refrain from exploiting campus tensions.

He emphasized the importance of students deciding their own course of action and called for calm and non-interference from outsiders. The minister asserted that such incidents bring a bad name to the state and spoil the image of Jadavpur University, which lies along the boundary of his Assembly constituency and holds significant historical importance.