Jadavpur University Graffiti on Azad Kashmir and Free Palestine Triggers Political Firestorm

Kolkata - Jadavpur University, long a hotbed of political discourse, is once again at the center of controversy. Graffiti bearing the slogans “Azad Kashmir” and “Free Palestine” appeared near the university’s Gate 3, igniting a fierce battle between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and leftist student organizations.  

The TMC’s student wing has blamed ultra-left factions for the graffiti, claiming it fuels unrest on campus. Meanwhile, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with the CPI(M), has categorically denied any involvement, distancing itself from secessionist narratives. This incident follows an already tense atmosphere after violent clashes on March 1, where two students were injured during a protest involving state Education Minister Bratya Basu’s convoy.  

In a swift move, Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against members of the Progressive Democratic Students' Federation (PDSF) under sections related to sovereignty and criminal conspiracy. This crackdown has further inflamed tensions, with students now raising concerns about the growing police presence on campus.  

The question remains—was this a genuine expression of dissent or an orchestrated attempt to disrupt? At a time when universities should encourage critical thought, this incident has turned Jadavpur into a battleground for ideological supremacy. With the administration caught between politics and student activism, the fate of free speech at one of India’s most politically active campuses hangs in the balance.