Kolkata, Sep 21 (PTI) Supporters of the Left-backed SFI and RSS-affiliated ABVP clashed at Bhangar College in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Monday after SFI activists protested the presence of BJP leader Sayantan Basu, who has been appointed as chairman of the college’s governing body, on the institute’s premises.
As Basu’s car approached the college’s main gate, around 100 SFI and ISF student activists blocked the vehicle and raised “go back” slogans, witnesses said.
Police had a tough time controlling the situation, and Basu stayed back in the college.
Soon after, a clash broke out between ABVP and SFI-ISF supporters.
SFI state committee member Subhajit Sarkar alleged that police under the BJP-led government were “brutally torturing” Left and democratic forces in Bengal while shielding the BJP and RSS camps at the direction of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
“They are thrusting BJP leaders on autonomous college governing bodies in Bengal. How come Sayantan Basu, who is neither an MLA nor an MP from the area, was picked as the governing body president?” he asked.
ABVP state leader Shubhbarata Adhikari accused SFI and ISF activists of assaulting “rashtravadi, patriotic” forces on the college campus and pursuing their own agenda.
“ABVP students were assaulted today. We will not take this lying down,” he said.
Talking to PTI, Basu said the SFI and ISF were trying to create lawlessness in academic institutions, citing the situation at Jadavpur University where, he alleged, ABVP members were being attacked.
“I did not back out and stayed on the Bhangar College campus. I want to develop the college constructively. The SFI and ISF cannot stop us,” he told PTI. PTI SUS MNB
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