Painful to hear ‘Azadi’ slogans in Kol: CM at Vande event outside JU | Kolkata News
KOLKATA: “It pains me when I see slogans of ‘Azadi’ on the streets of Kolkata today,” chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday, criticising Jadavpur University students for raising slogans such as “Kashmir Mange Azaadi” and “Red Salute Kishenji” on campus.Addressing a gathering at the Jadavpur 8B bus stand opposite the university, Adhikari asked, “What freedom do you want? Freedom to use heroin? Freedom to use ganja? To be part of the ‘tukde-tukde’ gang trying to divide the nation?”Adhikari, recalling the contributions of freedom fighters, said, “Khudiram secured freedom from West Bengal with a Gita in hand. Matangini Hazra held the Tricolour when she was shot. Revolutionaries like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Rishi Aurobindo, Binay, Badal, Dinesh, and Masterda Surya Sen secured our freedom,” he said.Questioning the context of the campus protests, Adhikari added, “Are you chanting ‘Kashmir wants freedom’? Are you posting ‘Free Palestine’? Before speaking about Palestine, write ‘Free PoK’. When terrorists killed Hindus in Pahalgam and the Army eliminated them in ‘Operation Sindoor’, you said nothing. We will take back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”Earlier, speaking at a Raksha Bandhan event in his Bhowanipur constituency, CM expressed distress over anti-national slogans. “JU is a Centre of Excellence. Writing ‘Kashmir demands freedom’ on the streets of Kolkata regarding a territory over which we fought multiple wars with Pakistan is distressing. What are you teaching the next generation?”Adhikari alleged that hostel students were forced to join a recent rally from Sealdah to Dorina Crossing.“Those who refused were threatened with the fate of the student murdered inside the campus during ragging. No slogans were raised on NEET exams or employment; the only slogans were for Azadi,” he alleged.Warning of legal action against anti-national elements, Adhikari said, “When 45 CRPF soldiers were killed in Avantipura by terrorists, no rally was taken out at Jadavpur. When terrorists killed Bitan Adhikari and Samir Guha, no one marched. Yet when Operation Sindoor occurred, they marched for peace. It has reached the final reckoning: either they remain, or we do.”Adhikari claimed BJP’s electoral success in Jadavpur dismantled its reputation as a communist stronghold. “When I joined a protest following a student’s death, students lunged at my car and openly declared they were Maoists. Why eulogise Kishenji, a man who burned the Constitution, sought the country’s division, and called for election boycotts?”Asserting his intent to enforce order, CM warned, “To my ABVP friends, you brought JNU and Osmania University back on track. Jadavpur University is next. I will fly drones to detect drug use inside campus. As police minister, I will ensure former students do not stay in hostels. The higher education dept is watching. I know how to clean this up; let us see how long your allies protect you.”He also addressed opposition to the National Song, Vande Mataram. “Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram, not any political neta. What is the objection?” he asked, calling for the removal of anti-national influences. “Our armed forces deal with external enemies. But for those within the country who attack patriotism, nationalism, Vande Mataram, and Jana Gana Mana, we must pledge to clean up such elements just as one clears garbage at home.”At another Rakhi Bandhan celebration by the sports and youth affairs department at Nazrul Mancha, Adhikari urged the youth to strengthen the nation, citing Israel’s model of basic military training.He announced that the state was considering making National Cadet Corps (NCC) training compulsory in schools and colleges.“NCC was previously discontinued and replaced with the Jai Hind Bahini, which was inappropriate. There is no alternative to NCC,” he said.Adhikari blamed previous Left Front and Trinamool govts for leaving the university under foreign influence and alienating students from Indian heritage, Republic Day, Independence Day, and Sanatan traditions.“For 34 years, communists backed anti-state activities. Later, Trinamool maintained an understanding with them for political dividend,” Adhikari claimed. “During polls, these students campaigned against BJP, benefiting the former CM. That is why this ecosystem was kept alive inside the institution.”
