West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a comment he made on Jadpur University students, saying it was an insult to an educational institution and intelligent students. The Trinamool Congress chief on Friday questioned the Prime Minister's decency and manners in a message on his WhatsApp channel, saying it was inappropriate to say such a thing about the students of a prestigious institution like Jadpur University. Is this the way to describe the talented students of nearby Jadoopur University? Can you go so far as to insult this excellent educational center? Have you stooped to such a low level?
The reaction came after the Prime Minister, while addressing an election rally in Jadavpur, alleged that anti-national slogans were written on the university campus and claimed that the state government had failed to protect the institution's dignity. Mamata Banerjee mentioned the university's academic achievements and said that Jadavpur University has been consistently ranked high at the national level. He said that questioning and critical thinking is part of education, not misbehavior. He said that student protest is a natural expression of democracy and should be considered as part of a democratic system. He added that real misbehavior arises from abuse of power and lack of accountability. Referring to the problems of farmers, the situation in Manipur and other issues, he criticized the central government.
Mamata Banerjee said, mismanagement means using the bulldozer as a weapon of power instead of justice. Anarchy happens when farmers are dying and their voice is suppressed. Insubordination also means refusing to face the media, avoiding accountability and not answering questions.
Referring to the tradition of Sri Arbindu Ghosh, he appealed to the Prime Minister not to harm the image of the state and educational institutions.