Jadavpur University on edge as CM Adhikari visits for Raksha Bandhan amid SFI-ABVP clashes
Synopsis
Jadavpur University — already on edge after two SFI-ABVP clashes — is now bracing for West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari's Raksha Bandhan visit on 28 August, with Kolkata Police deployed in force. The CM has publicly vowed to end what he calls anti-national activities on campus, raising the stakes well beyond a cultural programme.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari is visiting Jadavpur University on 28 August for a Raksha Bandhan programme.
Kolkata Police have been on high alert since Friday morning, citing two back-to-back SFI-ABVP clashes on campus this week.
The CM has three Raksha Bandhan stops: Nazrul Manch , Bhabanipur , and Jadavpur University .
Adhikari has vowed to end 'anti-national activities' at JU and stop 'Kashmir Maange Azadi' slogans on campus.
A JU-appointed probe committee has begun its investigation into the recent student clashes.
Left-affiliated student groups may organise demonstrations during the CM's visit, according to security assessments.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to visit Jadavpur University (JU) in South Kolkata on 28 August to participate in a Raksha Bandhan programme, prompting Kolkata Police to deploy heightened security across the campus since Friday morning. The visit comes in the immediate aftermath of two consecutive clashes between student groups affiliated with CPI(M)'s Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the university premises.
CM's Three-Stop Raksha Bandhan Schedule
Adhikari's itinerary for the day includes three Raksha Bandhan-related programmes. The first is at Nazrul Manch in South Kolkata, the second within his own Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur, also in South Kolkata, and the third — and most closely watched — at Jadavpur University. The JU stop has drawn the most scrutiny given the campus's volatile recent history.
Security Arrangements and Apprehensions
A Kolkata Police officer confirmed that security arrangements at JU would be tight, citing the recent developments, while declining to elaborate on operational specifics. Authorities are particularly watchful of the possibility that Left-affiliated student groups may organise demonstrations — either inside or outside the campus — during the Chief Minister's visit. The JU-appointed probe committee has already begun its investigation into the back-to-back clashes that preceded the visit.
What the Chief Minister Has Said
Addressing a public programme shortly after the SFI-ABVP clashes earlier this week, Adhikari stated that as the administrative head of the state, he is determined to end what he described as anti-national activities within the JU campus and to establish the spirit of nationalism there 'at any cost.' He specifically targeted the practice of raising 'Kashmir Maange Azadi' slogans on campus. 'It is our responsibility to stitch the lips of those who are raising such Azadi slogans within the campus,' the Chief Minister said.
Raksha Bandhan Message on Social Media
On Friday morning, Adhikari also issued a social media statement marking the occasion. '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.
Background: The SFI-ABVP Clashes
Jadavpur University, long regarded as one of West Bengal's most politically active campuses, has seen recurring tensions between Left-affiliated and BJP-linked student organisations. The two consecutive clashes this week between SFI and ABVP represent a fresh escalation in a pattern that has periodically disrupted academic life at the institution. With the probe committee now active and the Chief Minister publicly staking his position, the campus is likely to remain a political flashpoint in the days ahead.
Point of View
And the BJP's push to establish a foothold there through ABVP mirrors a broader strategy across West Bengal's academic institutions. The real test is whether the probe committee operates independently or becomes a tool in an ongoing political contest.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jadavpur University in the news today?
Jadavpur University is under heightened security on 28 August ahead of West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari's Raksha Bandhan visit, following two consecutive clashes between SFI and ABVP student groups on campus earlier this week. A university-appointed probe committee has begun investigating the incidents.
What did CM Suvendu Adhikari say about Jadavpur University?
Adhikari stated that as the administrative head of West Bengal, he is determined to end what he called anti-national activities within the JU campus at any cost. He also specifically said he would stop the practice of raising 'Kashmir Maange Azadi' slogans there, saying it was the government's responsibility to silence those chanting such slogans.
What were the SFI-ABVP clashes at Jadavpur University about?
Two back-to-back clashes broke out between student groups affiliated with CPI(M)'s Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the BJP-linked Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) within the Jadavpur University campus earlier this week. The specific trigger has not been officially confirmed; a JU-appointed probe committee is investigating.
What is CM Adhikari's full schedule on Raksha Bandhan?
Adhikari has three Raksha Bandhan programmes on 28 August: first at Nazrul Manch in South Kolkata, second within his Assembly constituency of Bhabanipur, and third at Jadavpur University — the last being the most security-sensitive given recent campus tensions.
Is there a risk of protests during the CM's Jadavpur University visit?
Security officials have flagged the possibility that Left-affiliated student groups could organise demonstrations inside or outside the campus during Adhikari's visit. Kolkata Police have been on high alert since Friday morning, though an officer declined to share operational details.
