Saraswati Puja sparks student unrest at Yogesh Chandra Law College

Saraswati Puja at Yogesh Chandra Law College turned into a scene of chaos and protests on Sunday. The college campus, usually abuzz with devotional fervor during the festival, was instead filled with slogans and heavy police presence. The focal point of the unrest was the arrival of Education Minister Bratya Basu, whose presence triggered an outburst from the students.

Inside the college, the idol of Goddess Saraswati stood gracefully with her Veena, symbolizing wisdom and learning, while outside, armed police guarded the campus gates. This unusual scene unfolded due to High Court-mandated strict security measures, which included thorough ID card checks at the college entrance. The students expressed their anger over these restrictions, feeling they were being unfairly targeted.

The tension reached its peak when Education Minister Bratya Basu arrived in the afternoon to participate in the puja. As soon as students spotted him, they erupted into chants of "We Want Justice," voicing their dissatisfaction over unresolved issues within the college and the education system at large. Despite the uproar, Minister Basu attempted to downplay the situation, stating, "Everything is fine, there is no problem, everything is fine, there is no issue."

He further explained that the Saraswati Puja was being conducted under the High Court's orders, with the principal and the chairperson of the college's governing body, Mala Roy, present at the event. "We have come to see the puja and will leave after seeing the puja," Basu remarked, trying to maintain composure amidst the chaos.

However, the situation escalated when the minister, while addressing media representatives, was interrupted by the loud slogans echoing across the campus. Frustrated by the students' defiance, he snapped, "I do not want to talk. They are just trying to attract media attention." This dismissive comment further fueled the students' anger, leading to a more intense demonstration.