Why Are TMC’s Student Wing Members Protesting at Calcutta Varsity?
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Synopsis
In a surprising protest, members of TMCP gheraoed the interim vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, demanding a rescheduling of exams set for August 28, the same day as their foundation day. This clash highlights the tensions between student organizations and university administration amidst political undertones.
Key Takeaways
- TMCP protests against exam scheduling conflicts.
- University's stance emphasizes exam dates based on public holiday norms.
- The protest reflects student political engagement.
- Claims of conspiracy by TMCP bring attention to political influences in education.
- Criticism from SFI highlights the tension between student factions.
Kolkata, July 28 (NationPress) Members of the Trinamool Congress's student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), initiated a protest on Monday by surrounding the interim vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Shanta Dutta, to demand a rescheduling of two undergraduate exams slated for August 28, which coincides with TMCP’s foundation day.
The protest unfolded at the College Street campus, where TMCP members demonstrated and surrounded the interim vice-chancellor’s office.
“The students are expressing their dissent against the university's decision to conduct two semester exams on August 28. We have formally requested the vice-chancellor to reschedule these exams to another day to facilitate student participation without disruption,” stated Abhirup Das, a TMCP member at the University of Calcutta.
The university has announced B.Com Semester 4 and B.A.LLB Semester 4 exams on this date. University officials explained that exams are typically not scheduled on public holidays, insisting that accommodating every political event's date is impractical.
Last week, TMCP’s state president, Trinankur Bhattacharjee, claimed a conspiracy influenced by the Union government aimed at obstructing the student wing's foundation day festivities. Dutta dismissed these claims as unfounded.
He further expressed that this decision is not only challenging for TMCP supporters but also burdensome for all students due to potential transportation issues arising from large gatherings.
On that day, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee is expected to address party student leaders during the foundation day event at Mayo Road.
The CPI(M)’s student faction, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), criticized TMCP’s demand for exam rescheduling on the basis of coinciding with its foundation day, labeling it as “double standards.”
“TMCP is acting as if colleges and universities belong to them, dictating exam schedules. This arrogance must cease, as it epitomizes their double standards,” remarked Debanjan Dey, SFI's state president in West Bengal.
Point of View
The students' concerns about exam timing during significant political events cannot be overlooked. It underscores the need for dialogue between university authorities and student bodies.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main demand of TMCP?
TMCP is demanding the rescheduling of undergraduate exams that are set for August 28, as this date coincides with their foundation day.
What exams are being protested?
The protests are against the B.Com Semester 4 and B.A.LLB Semester 4 exams scheduled for August 28.
Why is the exam date controversial?
The exam date is controversial because it conflicts with TMCP's foundation day, which is a significant event for the student wing.
How has the university responded?
The university has stated that exams are not held on public holidays and cannot accommodate every political event's date.
What do other student organizations think of TMCP's actions?
The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has criticized TMCP for what they see as double standards, claiming that they are acting as if universities are their personal property.
