Jadavpur University Graffiti Row: VC Chiranjib Bhattacharya Urges Restraint On Wall Writings, Asks Students To Use Social Media To Voice Views | Video

On August 31, 2026, Jadavpur University's Vice-Chancellor, Chiranjib Bhattacharya, urged students and teachers to exercise restraint on wall writings in the campus, urging them to express their views on social media. BCCL photo

Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of preserving the institution's long-standing tradition of free thought and expression while maintaining a clean and peaceful environment. He pointed out that slogans like 'Kashmir demands freedom' are considered anti-national and must not be displayed on university walls.

The VC made these remarks in an open letter, stating that his suggestions were not aimed at suppressing freedom of expression but rather at safeguarding the university's heritage and environment. This call for restraint came after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the removal of alleged anti-national slogans from the Jadavpur University campus, leading to the whitewashing of controversial graffiti on walls. However, new graffiti has since reappeared on campus walls.

TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh echoed Bhattacharya's concerns, stating that students at Jadavpur University have the right to write slogans on walls where permitted, but emphasized the need to ensure that these slogans do not promote anti-national sentiments. He cautioned against slogans like 'Kashmir demands freedom,' which he deemed inappropriate.

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh also weighed in on the controversy, noting that students have the right to express their views through wall writings, which is a long-standing tradition in Bengal. However, he stressed the importance of striking a balance between democratic expression and the need to maintain the university's physical environment and academic atmosphere.