After JNU, PM Modi calls Jadavpur University "Anti-National"; Mamata Banerjee Calls it "Insult to Bengal"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday locked horns over Kolkata’s Jadavpur University, with the two leaders trading sharp accusations over the state of the campus and the nature of student politics.

Addressing an election rally in Kolkata, the Prime Minister alleged that “anti-national slogans” were being written on the university’s walls, blaming the state government for failing to protect one of Bengal’s premier educational institutions. “Jadavpur University’s name was once taken with respect around the world. This campus was founded on the bedrock of nationalism,” Modi said. “But look at the situation here today: threats are being issued inside the campus, anti-national slogans are being scrawled on the walls, and students are being forced to take to the streets in protests instead of focusing on their studies.”

He added that the atmosphere on campus had deteriorated, calling for a return to academic normalcy. “We want an academic atmosphere here, not anarchy. We want dialogue here, not threats,” he said, questioning the state government’s ability to safeguard the future of Bengal’s youth. “A government that cannot save its own state’s largest educational institution, how will it save Bengal’s future?” the Prime Minister asked.

The Prime Minister was campaigning in the Jadavpur Assembly constituency, where the BJP has fielded Sarbari Mukherjee against sitting TMC MLA Debabrata Majumdar. The seat, once a stronghold of the CPI(M), is witnessing a triangular contest this time, with the Left nominating Bikashranjan Bhattacharya.

Responding strongly, Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of insulting the students and undermining a reputed institution. In a post on X, she questioned his remarks and defended the university’s academic standing. “Hon’ble Prime Minister, is this how you describe the meritorious students of the esteemed Jadavpur University? Is this your concept of decorum and courtesy?” she wrote.

Mamata Banerjee pointed out that the university has consistently ranked highly under the Centre’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). “Jadavpur University has been receiving top ranks from your Government’s NIRF framework year after year, and you descend to insult that centre of excellence?” she said.

Defending student activism, the Chief Minister argued that dissent was intrinsic to education. “Students of Jadavpur University have earned their place through merit… with intellect, with the ability to question. That is not anarchy. That is education and that is excellence,” she said.

The Bengal Chief Minister went on to redefine “anarchy” in political terms, accusing the Centre of suppressing dissent and failing on multiple fronts. “Anarchy is not students raising their voices. Anarchy is using bulldozers as instruments of power instead of justice… denying the poor their dues… dividing a nation along religious lines… and refusing accountability,” Mamata Banerjee wrote.

In addition, she also criticised the Prime Minister for not addressing ongoing crises. “Anarchy is refusing to acknowledge that Manipur is burning while you are busy with elections,” she added. “Students protesting do not constitute a breakdown of democracy — it is democracy in motion. Please do not defame this educational institution… Please do not defame Bengal,” Banerjee said.

Jadavpur University is one of India’s most storied public universities, with roots tracing back to the nationalist movement of the early 20th century. It began as the Bengal Technical Institute in 1906, founded as part of a swadeshi push for indigenous education during British rule, and was later formally established as a university in 1955. Over the decades, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, strong research output and a culture of critical inquiry, earning recognition as an institution of “Potential for Excellence” and an A+ NAAC accreditation. In the latest National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, Jadavpur University is placed 9th among universities in India and ranked 1st among state public universities, while also securing 18th position overall, underscoring its continued standing as one of the country’s leading centres of higher education.