West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks concerning Jadavpur University, accusing him of undermining a premier educational institution and questioning his sense of propriety.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister reminded the Prime Minister that Jadavpur University consistently ranks among the top institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), and took exception to his comments. “Jadavpur secures top positions in the rankings issued by your own government, and yet you are insulting this centre of excellence,” she wrote, adding that such remarks reflected poorly on the country’s leadership.
Mamata defended the university’s students, describing them as intellectually capable and independent thinkers. She asserted that their ability to question authority should not be misconstrued as disorder. “The students of Jadavpur are brilliant. They earn their degrees and possess the intellect to ask questions. This is not anarchy, this is education and excellence,” she said.
Her remarks came in response to statements made by Modi earlier in the day during an election rally in Jadavpur, where he alleged that threats were being issued on campus and “anti-national slogans” were appearing on walls of the university. He warned that such developments could harm the quality of education and questioned the state government’s ability to safeguard key institutions. Modi also claimed that students were being pressured into participating in rallies instead of focusing on academics, adding that his party aimed to “save the university.”
Reacting strongly, Mamata rejected what she described as a “patronising lecture” and countered with a broader critique of the Centre. She argued that student protests are a sign of a functioning democracy rather than its breakdown. In her response, she also raised concerns over several national issues, including law and order, treatment of farmers, alleged misuse of power, and communal divisions.
Invoking the legacy of Sri Aurobindo, Mamata urged the Prime Minister not to tarnish the reputation of an institution built on such intellectual traditions. She warned against what she termed attempts to malign both the university and Bengal, reiterating that dissent and debate are integral to academic life.
The exchange marks a fresh escalation in the political war of words between the state and central leadership, as campaigning intensifies ahead of the upcoming phases of the West Bengal Assembly election.
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