Himanta Biswa Sarma: বাংলা ও বাঙালি নিয়ে হিমন্ত-মন্তব্যে তুঙ্গে বিতর্ক, ফুঁসছে TMC
Himanta Biswa Sarma: বাংলা ও বাঙালি নিয়ে হিমন্ত-মন্তব্যে তুঙ্গে বিতর্ক, ফুঁসছে TMC | Zee 24 Ghanta
Controversy Erupts Over Himanta's Remark on Bengal and Bengalis — TMC Reacts Strongly
Controversy Erupts Over Himanta's Remark on Bengal and Bengalis — TMC Reacts Strongly
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Jul 13, 2025, 12:00 AM IST
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Controversy Erupts Over Himanta's Remark on Bengal and Bengalis — TMC Reacts Strongly
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Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- Indian Express
How Trinamool Congress keeps a tight grip on colleges in West Bengal
The alleged rape of a student at a law college in Kolkata last month brought into focus a well-known West Bengal secret: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders' control of colleges in the state, largely through their governing bodies (GBs). In his latest visit to the state, which goes to the polls next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday raised 'the state of the education sector' in Bengal, specifically the school jobs scam. 'What is happening in West Bengal is worrying. Be it primary education or higher education, the situation is the same everywhere. Thousands of teachers have lost their jobs because of grassroots corruption … Trinamool has put both the present and future of Bengal in crisis,' he said at a rally in Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district. The Indian Express looked at several colleges in and around Kolkata, some of which are affiliated to the University of Calcutta (CU), where TMC leaders wield influence in the governing bodies. Following the case of alleged rape at the law college, it emerged that the main accused, Monojit Mishra, is a member of the TMC's student wing Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and was appointed a 'casual' clerical staffer after he graduated. A TMC MLA heads the college's governing body. Some MLAs and ministers, in fact, are the governing body presidents of multiple colleges. To questions about how this affects academic and administrative freedom in these institutions, the TMC points out that the appointments are well within the rules. The West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Act, 2017, which sets out the rules on governing bodies, says in Article 5(3) that their tenure will be 'determined by the State Government from time to time'. As a result, many of these GBs have remained unchanged for over half a decade, with the government routinely extending their tenure every six months. The structure of these 10-member bodies is also such that it allows the government to stack them with people whom it either directly nominates or those who are closely linked to the TMC. Only four elected members make it to the governing bodies — three teachers and one non-teaching staff representative — and often, they too have links to the ruling party. Since student union elections have not been held in colleges for the past several years, the post of student representative continues to remain vacant. Some TMC leaders and the college governing bodies they are presidents of are: The Indian Express reached out to all of them but received no response. 'Principals are now sandwiched between politics and college administration. There is no freedom to work,' said a college principal who refused to be identified. A recurring complaint among principals is the lack of change in the governing bodies. 'The GB in my college was last officially formed in 2018. Every six months, the government sends an extension order,' said Dr Satya Upadhyay, principal of Calcutta Girls' College. However, he added, that despite TMC MP Haque heading the college governing body, he didn't face any pressure. 'We sometimes have differences of opinion, but we end up finding a solution. You cannot take politics out of campuses,' Upadhyay said. Last month, after the principal of Kolkata's Rani Birla Girls' College, Srabanti Bhatacharya, initiated the election of teaching and non-teaching staff representatives to the GB — which has been unchanged for seven years — a government nominee dropped in a day before voting was to take place. The election was subsequently cancelled, with Bhattacharya hospitalised on complaint of acute chest discomfort. In a letter, the faculty and other staff members alleged that the government nominee had put pressure on the principal to halt the election. 'Those who don't listen to orders face consequences. Many principals have been suspended because of differences. For instance, it happened in Purulia Raghunathpur College because the principal didn't listen to the GB,' claimed former All Bengal Principals' Council president and retired AJC Bose College principal Purna Chandra Maity. Alleged political interference in colleges also extends beyond GB appointments, with instances of former leaders and general secretaries of TMCP getting appointed to non-teaching positions. In one instance, a powerful TMCP leader became the head clerk at Ashutosh College and a former general secretary was appointed the college accountant, said a source. This shows an 'urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore academic autonomy and ensure transparent, democratic governance in colleges', said a college principal, who did not wish to be identified. Another feature of the political limbo on college campuses is the absence of regular student union elections. 'Non-functional student unions give the TMCP all the advantage,' said a CU official. 'College authorities also treat the TMCP unit as the students' union. Every college used to have a separate fund for these unions, and that now goes to the outfit.' Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha state president Indranil Khan alleged that 'over-politicisation of campuses' by the TMC had 'ruined the academic atmosphere'. 'Such people control colleges, admissions, and examinations. They would never nominate a fair academic to the governing body, as then they will not be able to rig elections,' he said. CPI(M) student wing SFI's All India Joint Secretary Dipsita Dhar accused the TMC of running a monopoly in colleges. 'The whole idea of having a governing body without a student in it is antithetical to internal democracy. Sadly, in Bengal, colleges have turned into a source of income for the Trinamool nexus,' she said. The institutional control of universities and educational institutions, however, is not exclusive to the TMC years. It was a source of consternation for the middle classes during the three-decade Left rule, too. In Economic and Political Weekly in June 2011, economist Pranab Bardhan, analysing the fall of the CPI(M), mentioned its all-pervasive control of institutions, including colleges and universities, and the damage it caused. 'The appointments and promotions in colleges and universities, directly orchestrated from the party office in Alimuddin Street and screened for party loyalty, decimated Bengal's long-enjoyed advantage in academic, intellectual and professional pursuits,' he wrote. TMCP state president Trinankur Bhattacharya defended the extended term of the general bodies, saying it was within the rules. 'I do not understand the problem if the GB president is a political person and is efficient. For example, Dr Shashi Panja is so efficient. Also, not all college GBs are in the party's control,' he said.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
‘Bengalis Facing Oppression': Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek To Give 2026 Roadmap At TMC Rally Tomorrow
Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Mamata Banerjee said: 'There is constant oppression of Bengalis for speaking their language. We will not tolerate this oppression." The Trinamool Congress's (TMC) Martyrs' Day rally on July 21, the last such rally before the 2026 West Bengal elections, will be crucial for many reasons. The message given by party supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee are likely to set the tone for the party's strategy. Speaking to the media on Sunday evening, Banerjee said: 'There is constant oppression of Bengalis for speaking their language. We will not tolerate this oppression." 'I thank all of you, including the administration and the media. Many of my colleagues have come here from distant places and are staying at the camp, I thank them for their dedication. More than a lakh people have already arrived. Due to the release of water and heavy rainfall, many areas are waterlogged. Yet, despite these challenges, people have come here to pay their respects to the martyrs," the TMC chief said. 'During the CPI(M) era, they didn't allow people to vote. Buildings were locked to prevent voting. We launched a massive movement, and despite all their efforts, the CPI(M) couldn't stop it. They opened fire and 13 people were killed and over 200 injured. Our demand was simple: no ID card, no vote. Now, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) doesn't allow people to vote in double-engine states," she said. Martyrs' Day is TMC's annual mega rally commemorating the 1993 incident when 13 workers were killed in police firing during Banerjee's movement for EPIC cards. Since then, the TMC has observed this day to remember the martyrs, and Banerjee traditionally uses this platform to announce the party's political agenda for the year. Insiders say that this year, Banerjee is expected to outline the roadmap for the 2026 elections while addressing thousands of party workers from the stage. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned a gherao of the North Bengal Secretariat to protest against what it calls the 'worsening law and order situation in the state". This is also the first time the court has imposed restrictions on the rally, following a petition citing potential traffic disruptions. What will Mamata Banerjee speak on? Bengali pride and alleged atrocities in BJP-ruled states: For the past month, the TMC has been aggressively raising the issue of 'Bengali Asmita' (Bengali pride). Banerjee has accused the BJP of being anti-Bengali, often citing incidents from Odisha. On July 16, she led a protest march, alleging that the central government had issued a secret notification to expel Bengali people from other states. She has vowed to challenge this notification in court. The TMC has also highlighted stories from Assam, where voters are allegedly being summoned for NRC verification and losing their citizenship rights. Insiders believe Banerjee will use the July 21 stage to direct her workers to launch a bigger movement, projecting the BJP as a party that does not respect Bengal's culture and traditions. The message will be clear: people should not place their faith in the BJP in the upcoming elections. It is also expected that Banerjee will use this stage to directly respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks. Special Intensive Revision (SIR): On the eve of the rally, the TMC released a video portraying the BJP as anti-Bengali and accused it of using the Election Commission for political gains. Banerjee has opposed the SIR process from the day it was announced, alleging that the BJP used similar tactics in Maharashtra and Delhi to include bogus voters from outside to manipulate election results. She is expected to reiterate this allegation, warning that the BJP is trying to replicate this strategy in Bihar and Bengal as well. Insiders believe Mamata will give a clarion call for a mass movement on this issue. While the BJP argues that revision is necessary because Banerjee has allegedly allowed Rohingya migrants into Bengal, changing the state's demography, the CM maintains that this is merely a BJP tactic to misuse the Election Commission to win elections. Guidelines to counter polarisation: The recent violence in Murshidabad and other incidents of communal tension have fuelled polarisation in the state. The BJP has alleged that Hindus are not safe under the TMC rule. Insiders believe Banerjee will use the stage to instruct party workers on how to counter this polarisation strategy and retaliate effectively. Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam attack: Although the TMC has supported the central government's decisions on dealing with Pakistan and even sent Abhishek as part of an international delegation, the party has raised several questions on the issue. Insiders believe Banerjee may attack the BJP government over intelligence failures related to recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack. Women's issues, from RG Kar to Kasba rape allegations: Despite being a woman Chief Minister and despite schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar that have earned the party significant support among women voters, the TMC has faced embarrassment over incidents like the RG Kar case and the Kasba rape allegations. In Kasba, reports involving former leaders of the party's student wing have tarnished the TMC's image. Party leaders believe Banerjee will use the stage to give a strong message to the youth and may issue strict directions regarding party discipline. Factionalism within TMC: Factional fights are common in the TMC, but insiders expect Banerjee to send a clear message that such infighting should not harm the party's prospects, especially ahead of crucial elections. Economic negligence by Centre vs Bengal's development model: Banerjee is also expected to highlight how the central government has allegedly deprived Bengal of funds, yet the state has continued its development initiatives. With 15 years of anti-incumbency to counter, insiders say Banerjee will instruct workers to spread the message of Bengal's development and also prepare them to fight fake news. BJP's counter-strategy While the BJP has planned a North Bengal Secretariat gherao, its state president will be in Delhi to attend the Parliament session. The BJP has said on record that this will be Banerjee's last Martyrs' Day rally in power. However, there is no doubt that all eyes will remain on Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee's addresses from the July 21 stage. About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : abhishek banerjee Mamata Banerjee news18 specials Trinmool Congress view comments Location : Kolkata, India, India First Published: July 20, 2025, 18:44 IST News politics 'Bengalis Facing Oppression': Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek To Give 2026 Roadmap At TMC Rally Tomorrow Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Kolkata braces for Shahid Diwas traffic curbs amid high court directives
The Kolkata Police have decided to implement a slew of traffic measures in the central part of the city on Monday in view of the ruling Trinamool Congress's Shahid Diwas program. Besides, in a recent order, the Calcutta High Court has mandated that processions related to the annual TMC rally in Dharmatala be permitted only before 8 am and after 11 am. The three-hour window, from 8 am to 11 am, the court observed, was critical for maintaining the traffic flow in Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner (CP) Manoj Verma, after reviewing arrangements on Saturday, affirmed the force's commitment to fulfilling the high court's directives. 'The preparations for the Martyrs' Day rally are in the final stages. We will ensure that the Calcutta High Court's orders are complied with. All the officers have been informed in this regard. We will deploy extra police officers and civic volunteers to ensure smooth traffic movement,' CP Verma said. He also launched three helplines – 1073, 9830811111, and 9830010000 – for the assistance of the public on rally day. 'July 21st is an emotion; people go there out of emotion. We have full respect for the high court, the police will take care of the traffic, but on July 21st, people come voluntarily and feel emotional about it,' said TMC Spokesperson Kunal Ghosh. The police released a notification outlining extensive traffic restrictions for passenger vehicles from 4 am to 9 pm on July 21. These include: No goods vehicles will be permitted to enter the city from 3 am to 8 pm on July 21. Exceptions have been made for vehicles carrying essential goods such as LPG gas cylinders, fish, and meat. Parking will be strictly prohibited in several important areas and streets, including those adjacent to the Victoria Memorial (Hastings Crossing, Cathedral Road, Hospital Road, Lovers Lane, Casuarina Avenue). Trams and other vehicles will not be allowed to park on roads along the procession routes towards Dharmatala. The police may temporarily direct vehicles to alternate routes, including diverting major road traffic to smaller roads, based on real-time assessments. Given that Monday, July 21, is the first working day of the week, the police have advised commuters to anticipate significant diversions and delays. The Kolkata Metro has been recommended as the most reliable travel option to avoid road congestion. The annual Shahid Diwas rally commemorates the death of Youth Congress workers in police firing in 1993. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, then a leader of the Youth Congress, was leading the demonstration at the time of the incident.
