Kolkata, March 26: Tensions erupted at Jadavpur University in Kolkata over the organization of a Ram Navami event. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) clashed with leftist student organizations, leading to intense shouting matches.
According to reports, ABVP activists had organized a celebration on campus for Ram Navami, engaging in prayers and rituals. Meanwhile, leftist student groups protested vocally against the event. In response, ABVP members also raised slogans, escalating the situation.
The Vice Chancellor stated that no official permission had been granted for the religious activities. This prompted leftist organizations to stage a protest on campus, arguing that any religious event should not occur without authorization, as it disrupts the academic environment.
A leftist student expressed concerns, stating that if a religious event is intended to incite political violence, they would oppose it. They accused certain groups of deliberately attempting to create a politically charged and communal atmosphere. They emphasized that the university should remain a space for education, rejecting any division based on religion.
Conversely, an ABVP member claimed that they had sought permission from the Vice Chancellor, which was denied. They questioned why worshipping Lord Ram would be objectionable. They pointed out that while there are no restrictions on prayers during other religious observances, Hindu festivals face hurdles in obtaining necessary permissions.
The ABVP member highlighted discrepancies in how religious activities are treated, noting that during Durga Puja, motorcyclists are penalized, while similar enforcement is lacking during Eid and Moharram. They argued that Hindus face challenges in celebrating their festivals in the state.
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