TMC stages protest in support of Amartya Sen at Visva Bharati University

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and supporters began a dharna (protest) on Saturday in support of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who was served an eviction notice by the authorities of Visva Bharati University. The protest meeting started in front of Sen's house, 'Pratichi,' in Bolpur, and was attended by several prominent individuals, including actor Shubhaprasanna and director Gautam Ghosh.

The Calcutta High Court has currently put an interim stay on the order of eviction issued by Visva Bharati. Meanwhile, TMC leaders and supporters have formed the 'Vishwa Bharti Bachao Samiti' to support Sen's cause. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed TMC ministers in Birbhum to demonstrate peacefully with the protesting artists.

Several intellectuals have also joined the protest, including music artist Kabir Suman and painter Yogen Chaudhary. Despite the participation of TMC leaders, some intellectuals have joined the protest without the party's banner.

Trinamool leaders from the district gathered in front of 'Pratichi' since morning. Kajal Sheikh, a TMC leader, said that Sen is the pride not only of Bengal but also of India and the entire world. He added that Vishva Bharati is a place of peace and that everyone has the right to express their opinion in a democratic country like India.

Chief Minister Banerjee has already given a strong message on Sen's land dispute, stating that his house should be touched and seen, and warning the Visva Bharati administration. However, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh accused the TMC of supporting "thieves" and claimed that Sen had captured land belonging to Vishwa Bharati. He further added that no one, even a Nobel laureate, has the right to loot Bengal.