Kolkata: Kolkata Police have been on high alert since Friday morning ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s visit to Jadavpur University (JU) in South Kolkata later in the day to participate in a Raksha Bandhan programme. The security detail follows two back-to-back clashes between student groups linked to CPI(M)’s Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Now with the JU-appointed probe committee having started its probe in the clashes and the Chief Minister having already announced that as the administrative head of the state he is determined to end anti-national activities within the JU campus and establish the spirit of nationalism at any cost there, apprehension continues over the possibilities of Left wing students’ organising demonstrations within or outside the campus during the CM’s Raksha Bandhan programme there.
The Chief Minister has a total of three Raksha Bandhan-related programmes during the day — first at Nazrul Manch in South Kolkata, second within his Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur, also in South Kolkata and the third at Jadavpur University.
Needless to say, in view of the recent developments, the Chief Minister’s security arrangements will be tight at JU, a city police officer said, while refusing to divulge further details.
Soon after two consecutive SFI-ABVP clashes within the JU campus earlier this week, the Chief Minister, while addressing a public programme, said that as the administrative head of the state, he is determined to end anti-national activities within the campus and establish the spirit of nationalism at any cost there.
He also said that he will end the culture of raising “Kashmir Maange Azadi” slogans within the JU campus. “It is our responsibility to stitch the lips of those who are raising such ‘Azadi’ slogans within the campus,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, on Friday morning, the Chief Minister issued a social media statement wishing the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
“Happy Rakhi Bandhan May the love, trust, and unbreakable bond of affection between brothers and sisters remain tied with a simple thread. May the relationship between brothers and sisters grow even sweeter and everlasting, filling everyone’s life with joy and blessings. Heartfelt wishes and congratulations to all on Raksha Bandhan Full Moon!!!” the Chief Minister’s message read.
(IANS)
