Presidency University in Kolkata has taken disciplinary action against two students, leading to their expulsion from academic activities, following allegations that posters of Swami Vivekananda were defaced on the university campus. Official sources confirmed the decision, stating that the university authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the matter before reaching a conclusion.
The incident gained prominence after the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alleged that members of Left-leaning student factions had vandalized the posters. Following these allegations, the student wing filed a formal police complaint on October 14. In response, the university administration established a committee to investigate the claims, which included reviewing campus CCTV footage and consulting with various stakeholders to determine the sequence of events.
The two individuals subjected to the disciplinary action are a currently enrolled student and an ex-student who had completed her postgraduate course several months prior to the incident. University officials stated that both individuals have been expelled from all studentship and post-studentship activities. Furthermore, the administration has barred both women from seeking admission to any future degree programs offered by the institution.
Addressing the rationale behind the decision, Presidency University Registrar Debajyoti Konar emphasized the institution's commitment to maintaining an environment conducive to intellectual exchange. “Presidency University always stood for dignified academic discourse and debate on different scientific and socio-political issues. The university is not in a position to tolerate any abuse to any thinkers, ideas, or organizations,” the registrar stated.
The decision has drawn polarized reactions from the student political community. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) strongly condemned the administration's move on November 7. In an official statement, the SFI Presidency unit argued that by imposing an expulsion that threatens the academic careers of the students involved, the administration has set a highly dangerous precedent. While the SFI acknowledged that students should be held accountable if they participate in acts of vandalism, the organization urged the authorities to prioritize corrective steps and rehabilitation over punitive or retaliatory measures.
Conversely, the ABVP welcomed the expulsion, characterizing it as a necessary step against sentiments it described as anti-national. Ananta Barui, the state media in-charge for the ABVP, told The Hindu on November 7 that the organization remains firmly opposed to such incidents. Additionally, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari commented on the development, stating that the work of addressing ideological clashes at institutions like Jadavpur University and Presidency University must continue.
This disciplinary action comes as both Presidency University and Jadavpur University, two of the state's most prominent educational institutions, face ongoing scrutiny due to recurring controversies and confrontations between student groups. The broader campus climate in West Bengal has been marked by frequent political friction, including a major clash between Left- and Right-wing student groups at Jadavpur University as recently as August. As the situation develops, the administration's decision underscores the increasing tension surrounding student political activism and the enforcement of conduct codes within the university setting.
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