‘Left doesn’t fear or sell out’: Neha Bora says right-wing outfits threatening secular views at educational institutes

Neha Bora, the president of the All India Students Association (AISA), spoke at a convention of students from various academic institutions in Kolkata on Monday. The students were protesting the crackdown on dissent and the recent "voter crisis" in West Bengal and other parts of India. Bora asserted that the authorities believe they can suppress dissent and bring protesters to their knees through brutal force.

She emphasized that this misconception will be corrected as the people unite to challenge oppressive governments. Bora highlighted that the mandate that brought the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in West Bengal was a lie, and the people must challenge it. She also noted that the authorities aim to silence student voices and marginalised groups, leading to repeated attacks on educational institutions.

The attack on the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) was the second in ten days, with wall paintings and murals whitewashed. Bora emphasized that students will continue to fight against oppression and fascism, promising to protect the art and imagination that cannot be silenced.