Adhikari said the government would respond in the language of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose rather than Mahatma Gandhi.

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday warned that his government would take a tough approach towards those he described as sympathisers of “anti-national forces” at Jadavpur University, saying they would need “strict medicines”.Speaking in the state assembly, Adhikari said the government would respond in the language of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose rather than Mahatma Gandhi if slogans demanding freedom for Kashmir were raised on the university campus.He also said Jadavpur University would receive Rs 1,300 crore in grants, but warned that those raising slogans such as “Bharat tere tukde honge” would be dealt with firmly.

CM backs university staff transfer Bill

Adhikari was speaking as the government introduced a Bill that would allow teaching and non-teaching employees to be transferred between state universities.The West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was approved by the state Cabinet on September 8. It seeks to add a provision to Section 14A of the 2017 Act, allowing inter-university transfers of staff whenever required.Higher education minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay tabled the Bill during the special Assembly session. Adhikari described it as “important and necessary” and said its passage would be “historic”.The government says the move will help newly established universities by allowing experienced teachers and other staff to be moved to institutions that need them. Adhikari said professors could help new universities develop infrastructure, improve teaching and work towards becoming centres of excellence.He said experienced teachers could be sent to institutions in places such as Jhargram and Cooch Behar, creating an exchange of human resources between universities.

Teachers raise concerns over autonomy

The proposed changes have faced opposition from teachers’ associations and academics, who fear that the government could interfere with university autonomy or selectively target teachers through transfers.Adhikari rejected such concerns and said the legislation would maintain a balance between institutional autonomy and accountability to the government.“The Bill will balance institutes’ autonomy and accountability towards the government… It would not impact PhD supervision and projects… Those unhappy with the provisions of the Bill are welcome to quit their jobs,” he said.Explaining why the amendment was needed, Adhikari had earlier said, “This is important. There is a ground reality that necessitates the Bill.”

The chief minister also addressed the recent controversy surrounding a meat-related diktat by Dhirendra Shashtri of Bageshwar Dham. Referring to protests by Congress workers, he said he had instructed the Kolkata Police commissioner to arrest those who burnt portraits of the self-styled godman.Adhikari also referred to the 1970 murder of former Jadavpur University vice chancellor Gopal Sen. He said the government would set up a panel to investigate the incident if necessary.He further attributed the opposition’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections to what he called “disrespect” towards the saffron colour and claimed that the opposition would also lose the upcoming by-elections.