Governor CV Anand Faces Protests at Calcutta University Convocation Ceremony

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 3, 2024, Kolkata: Governor CV Anand Bose encountered significant protests from the Trinamool Student Council (TMCP) as he arrived at Calcutta University's College Street campus for the annual convocation ceremony. Protesters chanted "Go Back," creating a charged atmosphere on the university grounds.

As the governor entered the university, he was met with loud demonstrations from TMCP members, prompting top police officials to intervene and restore order. The protesters accused the governor of illegally appointing a vice-chancellor without adhering to established protocols, claiming that the annual convocation could not proceed due to the absence of a full-time vice-chancellor.

The ceremony was organized to present certificates to PhD recipients, but the atmosphere was marred by the protests. While the university authorities remained silent regarding the incident, the presence of black flags and the shouts of protesters clearly signaled their discontent.

The ongoing conflict between Governor Anand and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified, particularly surrounding the appointment of vice-chancellors at various universities. The tensions have escalated to the point where the Supreme Court has intervened, directing that the appointment process for vice-chancellors should be completed within three months. A search committee has been established to shortlist candidates, who will then be sent to the Chief Minister for selection before final approval by the Raj Bhavan.

The situation at Calcutta University underscores the broader tensions within West Bengal’s political landscape, particularly regarding governance and educational administration.

PTI, Kolkata: Black flags were shown to West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose by the students' wing of Trinamool Congress outside Calcutta University (CU) here on Thursday when he went there for an award ceremony. Asked to comment on the black flag protest, Bose told reporters 

"Everyone has the right to protest. They have to choose which way they want to." Told that some supporters of Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) were protesting, he said "

"Political parties have the right to protest." CU officiating Vice Chancellor Shanta Dutta told reporters "Those who staged the protest are not university students but outsiders whose entry had been banned inside the campus. 

The Hon'ble high Court had itself paved the way for our certificate and diploma awarding ceremony and we went ahead with the function inviting the Chancellor." 

The students wished that this ceremony take place in an uninterrupted manner as they have been facing difficulties on career front and placement if they don't get the documents officially, Dutta added. 

The TMCP was protesting the alleged irregular way of deciding to hold the award ceremony by the university authorities with no permanent VC which prevented the CU from organising the official convocation. 

The governor, who is also the ex-officio Chancellor of Calcutta University, presided over the certificate and medal distribution ceremony of the varsity at its College Street campus. A large posse of police personnel were present around the university campus at College Street to prevent any untoward incident and to ensure that the governor enters the campus smoothly. 

The TMCP supporters also raised slogans against Bose, who has had a tumultuous relationship with the Mamata Banerjee government in the state owing to differences over several issues.