Protests at Jadavpur University (JU) entered their second day on Tuesday, with students demanding the resignation of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu and the withdrawal of police complaints against them following an alleged campus assault.

Minister Basu Expresses Regret to Injured Student’s Family

In an attempt to ease tensions, Bratya Basu personally reached out to the family of injured student Indranuj Roy, expressing his regret over the incident.

Amit Roy, Indranuj’s father, stated:
"The education minister called me and conveyed his remorse. He wished Indranuj a speedy recovery and said he and his wife are deeply distressed. He told me Indranuj is like his son."

However, students remain firm in their demands and continue their protests across campus.

What Triggered the Protests?

The unrest began on March 1, when two students, including Indranuj Roy, were injured after a car from Bratya Basu’s convoy allegedly brushed past them during a confrontation.

Key events leading to the protests:
Students attempted to block the minister’s exit from the campus, demanding discussions on long-pending student union elections.
A scuffle broke out, leading to injuries on both sides.
Basu’s car’s windshield was allegedly damaged by protesters.

As tensions escalated, police intervened, leading to complaints being filed against several students, further fueling the agitation.

Students Issue Ultimatum, Vice-Chancellor Absent

Following a General Body meeting on Monday night, students gave a 24-hour deadline for Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta to return to campus and address their concerns.

Student Demands Include:
Full medical coverage for injured students.
A police complaint against Bratya Basu.
Immediate action on student union elections.

However, VC Gupta has yet to return, citing health concerns, including fluctuating blood pressure. His previous hospital visit to the injured students was met with protests, during which his shirt was reportedly torn, further worsening his condition.

Clashes Break Out Between Student Groups

Amid the turmoil, various student organisations have intensified their protests:

Left-leaning groups like the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) staged protests on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) held separate demonstrations after leading a statewide student strike on Monday.

Tensions escalated further when SFI activists clashed with BJP-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members at the campus gates.

Key Incident:

• ABVP members allegedly tore down posters supporting the strike.
• A security guard was injured during the confrontation.
• Five people were detained by the police following the scuffle.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), aligned with the TMC, claimed the attack on Bratya Basu was pre-planned.

Political Fallout: Divided Opinions on Basu’s Resignation

While the SFI continues to demand Bratya Basu’s resignation, accusing the TMC’s student wing (TMCP) and ABVP of fueling violence, Indranuj Roy’s father took a conciliatory stance.

Amit Roy stated:
"We appreciated the minister’s gesture. Elders should show tolerance when youngsters make mistakes."

What’s Next?

With semester exams still ongoing in some departments and classes suspended in others, the protests show no signs of dying down.

Will Bratya Basu step down?
Will the Vice-Chancellor return to negotiate with students?

As the situation remains tense, all eyes are on how the state government and university administration handle the growing unrest.