Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defending Kolkata’s Jadavpur University and accusing him of maligning a premier institution. This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locked horns over Jadavpur University, with Modi alleging ‘anarchy’ on campus, and Banerjee calling his remarks an insult to Bengal.
In a post on social media platform X, Moitra praised the university’s legacy while criticising the Prime Minister’s comments. “Jadavpur University is one of the most prestigious and esteemed universities in East India with students being placed in some of the most reputed companies across the world,” she wrote.
Taking a swipe at Modi, she added, “The shakhachaap chaiwala has labelled Jadavpur University a ‘den of anarchy’ and ‘anti-national activities’ simply because its students know how to protest, a basic democratic right.” She further alleged, “His apparent agenda is to transform the university into a hub of HINDUTVA jingoism which is why he continues to spread such toxic rhetoric.” Moitra ended her post with a political message ahead of the polls, saying, “People of West Bengal will answer on 4th May.”
The political flashpoint began on Friday when Prime Minister Modi, addressing an election rally in Kolkata, accused the state government of failing to protect one of Bengal’s leading educational institutions. He claimed that “anti-national slogans” were being written on the university’s walls and that the campus atmosphere had deteriorated.
“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.”
Calling for a restoration of academic normalcy, the Prime Minister added, “We want an academic atmosphere here, not anarchy. We want dialogue here, not threats.” He also questioned the state government’s ability to safeguard the future of Bengal’s youth, asking, “A government that cannot save its own state’s largest educational institution, how will it save Bengal’s future?”
Responding strongly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of disrespecting students and undermining a reputed institution. In a post on X, she wrote, “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?”
Highlighting the university’s academic credentials, Banerjee noted that it has consistently secured high rankings 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, she asserted that dissent is fundamental 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,” Banerjee said. She further accused the Centre of suppressing dissent and failing on key issues. “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,” she wrote.
The Chief Minister 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, stressing, “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.”
Jadavpur University, one of India’s leading public institutions, traces its roots to the nationalist movement, beginning as the Bengal Technical Institute in 1906 and becoming a university in 1955. Known for academic excellence and strong research, it holds an A+ NAAC accreditation and is recognised as an institution of “Potential for Excellence”. In the NIRF 2025 rankings, it was placed 9th among universities, ranked first among state public universities, and 18th overall.
