West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his reported remarks on students of Jadavpur University, accusing him of undermining a premier institution and disrespecting meritorious youth.
In a strongly-worded message posted on her WhatsApp channel, Banerjee questioned the Prime Minister’s “decorum and courtesy”, expressing anguish over what she described as disparaging comments about students of the university. “Pained to ask: is this the way how you describe the meritorious students of the esteemed Jadavpur University?” she wrote, adding, “You descend to insult that centre of excellence? You stoop so low?”
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister claimed that “anti-national slogans” were being written on the campus of Jadavpur University, accusing the West Bengal government of “failing” to defend the biggest university in the state. Speaking at an election rally in Jadavpur, Modi emphasized that the campus was once regarded as “the foundation of nationalism” and asserted that persistent “threats” are being made within it, forcing students to protest.
Highlighting the institution’s academic standing, Banerjee noted that Jadavpur University has consistently secured top rankings under the Centre’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). She defended the student community, saying their ability to question and engage critically is a hallmark of education, not disorder. “The students of Jadavpur University have earned their place through merit… that is not anarchy. That is education and that is excellence,” she said.
Drawing a sharp distinction between dissent and disorder, the Chief Minister asserted that student protests are intrinsic to a functioning democracy. “Students protesting do not constitute a breakdown of democracy—it is democracy in motion,” she said.
In a broader political attack, Banerjee listed what she termed as “real anarchy,” alleging misuse of state power and lack of accountability. “Anarchy is using bulldozers as instruments of power instead of justice… anarchy is when farmers die and their voices are crushed… anarchy is refusing to face the press, refusing accountability, refusing questions,” she said, also referring to the ongoing situation in Manipur and accusing the Prime Minister of prioritising elections over pressing national concerns.
Appealing for respect towards educational institutions, Banerjee invoked the legacy of early nationalists such as Sri Aurobindo, urging the Prime Minister not to “defame” Jadavpur University or Bengal. “Please do not defame the educational institution… Please do not defame Bengal,” she said.
The remarks came amid heightened political exchanges between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with student protests and campus politics increasingly emerging as flashpoints in the ongoing national discourse. There was no immediate response from the Prime Minister’s Office to Banerjee’s statement.