SFI enforces strike on university campuses in West Bengal

SFI activists in West Bengal demand Education Minister's resignation after students injured in protest at Jadavpur University.

Activists of the CPI(M)'s student wing Students' Federation of India (SFI) gathered on university campuses across West Bengal on Monday morning (March 3, 2025) to enforce a strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu.

Two students were injured when a car in the convoy of Mr. Basu grazed past them during a melee in Jadavpur University (JU) on March 1, 2025 as Leftists students tried to prevent the Minister from leaving the campus, demanding a discussion on the conduct of student union polls. Mr. Basu sustained injuries as the windshield of his car was damaged by the protesters.

Campuses of Jadavpur and Presidency universities in Kolkata wore a deserted look on Monday morning (March 3, 2025) as common students, faculty members and other staffers stayed away while (SFI) members gathered on the campuses to enforce the day-long strike that began at 10 a.m.

Uneasy calm on Jadavpur University campus day after violent protests

“Campuses of other higher educational institutions such as Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University and Burdwan University were partially affected as some classes were not held even though semester examinations were conducted,” officials said.

However, fewer SFI activists were seen on these campuses, unlike at JU and Presidency University. Activists of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the students' wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC,) were also seen on the campuses.

The strike did not affect vehicular movement so far as the SFI activists did not cause any disruption to road traffic and candidates proceeded smoothly to various examination centres across the State since the morning hours. West Bengal Board Examination for Class XII also began on Monday (March 3, 2025.)