Left-Wing Candidates Achieve Historic Victory in Jadavpur University’s Co-Operative Credit Society Elections. Left Front Secures 51 Out of 58 Seats, Ruling Party Faces Heavy Defeat
In a significant political development, left-wing candidates have secured a landslide victory in the Jadavpur University Co-Operative Credit Society elections. Out of 58 seats, the Left Front-backed candidates won 51, while the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC)-backed candidates managed to secure only 7 seats. This outcome reaffirms the enduring influence of left-wing student and faculty organizations in Jadavpur University, despite claims of their declining presence.
Elections Held After a Long Hiatus Following Court Intervention
The elections had been suspended since 2021 due to multiple administrative and governmental interventions. The decision to put the elections on hold had sparked widespread debates and controversies. Eventually, following a judicial intervention, the elections were finally conducted in 2024. However, accusations surfaced regarding the ruling party’s alleged attempts to obstruct the process even after the court’s approval. Nonetheless, the collective efforts of university teachers, officials, and staff ensured the smooth completion of the elections. The results demonstrated a decisive defeat for TMC-affiliated groups, marking a strong comeback for the Left in the university’s political landscape.
Tensions Escalate After Election Results, Jadavpur University Turns Into a Political Battleground
Just two days after the election results, Jadavpur University witnessed major political turmoil. On Saturday, during the annual Webcoopa Conference, Education Minister Bratya Basu faced intense protests from left-wing student organizations, including SFI, AISA, and DSF. The students chanted “Go Back” slogans, leading to heated confrontations and multiple rounds of tension on campus.
Trinamool Congress Retaliates, Leaders Issue Strong Statements
Following the incident, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched counter-protests. In the evening, TMC leaders, including Kunal Ghosh, Minister Aroop Biswas, and MP Sayani Ghosh, arrived at the scene, leading a protest march from Sukanta Setu. TMC strongly condemned the attacks on the education minister and vowed to take necessary actions.
Kunal Ghosh stated:
“What happened in Jadavpur was sheer hooliganism. The education minister and TMC-backed faculty members showed restraint. But let no one mistake TMC’s courtesy for weakness. If limits are crossed, we will respond accordingly.”
Minister Aroop Biswas further added:
“We can take over Jadavpur University whenever we want! But we are showing democratic restraint.”
These remarks have sparked debates over whether TMC is adopting an aggressive stance in response to the Left’s victory. Was this an orchestrated show of strength by the ruling party?
Future of Jadavpur University: A Political Showdown Looming?
The landslide victory of the Left in the Co-Operative Credit Society elections has posed a significant challenge to TMC’s dominance. With student politics and university governance at the forefront, Jadavpur University seems to be heading towards a prolonged political struggle. The Left-wing student organizations aim to maintain their regained stronghold, while TMC is likely to counteract with force. The coming days will reveal how this political conflict shapes the academic and administrative environment of Jadavpur University.