{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Proposal to rename Jadavpur University sparks political row in West Bengal",
  "summary": "BJP MLA Sharbari Mukherjee has proposed renaming Jadavpur University to Rishi Arabinda University, triggering a fierce political debate across West Bengal.",
  "content": "A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal over a proposal to rename one of the state's most prominent higher education institutions. Sharbari Mukherjee, the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Jadavpur, has formally suggested changing the name of Jadavpur University to Rishi Arabinda University. This announcement has instantly ignited a sharp ideological debate across political circles and academic corridors in the state, with leaders from rival parties clashing over history, nationalism, and institutional identity.\n\n \n\nHistorical reference to Rishi Arabinda\n Detailing the rationale behind her proposal, the BJP legislator argued that Rishi Arabinda was instrumental in the foundational thought of the institution. She stated that the establishment was originally envisioned to foster Bengali talent in opposition to British colonial rule. According to her, several nationalists strongly believe that naming the prominent university after Rishi Arabinda would be a fitting tribute to his legacy and contribution to the freedom movement.\n\n \n\nLeft leaders launch sharp counter-attacks\n The suggestion met with immediate resistance and strong condemnation from left-wing student unions and opposition politicians. Srijan Bhattacharya, a CPI(M) leader and former student of the university, responded with heavy sarcasm to the MLA's proposal. In a mocking counter-suggestion, he remarked that if the ruling party affiliates wished to alter names based on their ideology, they might as well rename the institution directly as Nathuram Godse University, dismissing the original proposal as politically motivated.\n\n \n\nDebate over ideological legacy\n Bhattacharya further alleged that whenever ideological factions push for renaming streets or academic bodies, their primary motive is to project their specific political lineage. He pointed out past instances where names of roads and halls were altered. However, he noted that Rishi Arabinda was a frontline leader of the Swadeshi movement, a fierce opponent of British imperialism, and an accused in the Alipore bomb case, contrasting this legacy with the historical role of right-wing ideologues during the freedom struggle.\n\n \n\nSarcastic remarks on institutional changes\n Continuing his critique, the left leader made several ironic demands concerning the proposed transformation of the campus. He suggested that along with changing the name, the traditional university insignia created by renowned artist Nandalal Bose should be replaced by historical letters written by Veer Savarkar to British authorities. He concluded his critique by remarking that following these sweeping changes, MLA Sharbari Mukherjee should herself be appointed as the vice-chancellor of the newly rechristened institution.\n\n \n\nContext of the ABVP campus events\n The renaming proposal was publicly articulated during a series of events organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad inside the university campus. The day's activities included a tricolor march, the hoisting of the national flag, and the singing of Vande Mataram, alongside the display of portraits of various scholars across the grounds. Later, under the initiative of the Haripada Bharati Smriti Raksha Samiti, a nationalist meeting and Vedantic recitation session were held at the Triguna Sen Auditorium. Prominent figures including Rahul Sinha, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, and Sharbari Mukherjee were present when the MLA put forward the renaming suggestion from the podium.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe ongoing political debate surrounding the potential renaming of prominent educational institutions in West Bengal could heighten ideological tensions and campus friction.\n\n• Across India: Universities and academic institutions nationwide may experience heightened ideological debates and protests among student factions. Such political remarks often influence the overall climate within higher education campuses.\n\n• In West Bengal: Students, faculty members, and local political activists associated with Jadavpur University will remain at the center of this ongoing ideological tug-of-war. Increased political activities and heightened security measures can directly impact the day-to-day academic atmosphere.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Who proposed renaming Jadavpur University?\nSharbari Mukherjee, the BJP MLA from Jadavpur, proposed changing the university's name.\n\n2. What new name has been suggested for the university?\nThe proposal suggests renaming the institution to Rishi Arabinda University.\n\n3. How did CPI(M) leader Srijan Bhattacharya react to the proposal?\nCPI(M) leader Srijan Bhattacharya responded with sarcasm, offering a counter-proposal to rename it Nathuram Godse University.\n\n4. During which event was this renaming proposal put forward?\nThe proposal was made during events organized by the ABVP and a nationalist meeting held by the Haripada Bharati Smriti Raksha Samiti.\n\n5. Where was the meeting held?\nThe meeting took place inside the Triguna Sen Auditorium located on the Jadavpur University campus.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/west-bengal/west-bengal-ki-rajaniti-men-garamaya-jadavpur-university-ka-nama-badalane-ka-mudda-samane-aya-naya-prastava-27313",
  "category": "West Bengal",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-03",
  "tags": [
    "Jadavpur University",
    "Sharbari Mukherjee",
    "West Bengal Politics",
    "Rishi Arabinda",
    "Srijan Bhattacharya",
    "ABVP"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}