ABVP eyes expansion across Bengal college and university campuses

MP, May 7, 2026, Kolkata: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has said it plans to expand its organisational presence across colleges and universities in West Bengal and push for the revival of student union elections after the BJP assumes power in the state.

The statement comes amid speculation on social media that student union elections may be discontinued and campuses turned “politics-free” under a BJP government. ABVP leaders denied the claim and said the organisation supported democratic student politics.

ABVP leaders claimed the organisation currently has a presence in nearly half of the state’s educational institutions, especially in north Bengal, Purulia and Bankura, and is now focusing on Kolkata and adjoining areas.

The organisation also claimed branches had recently been opened in around 10 per cent more colleges and universities.

Debanjan Pal, co-convener of ABVP’s national media cell, said students from different campuses were approaching the organisation to join it.

“Many students want to work with us,” he said.

Pal also claimed that members of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) were seeking to join ABVP, but said individuals accused of “damaging campus environments” would not be admitted as the leadership had issued clear instructions on the matter.

On student union elections, Pal alleged that no polls had been held in colleges and universities since 2017.

“Normal democratic politics was destroyed,” he said.

He added that ABVP would demand regular student union elections in line with the Lyngdoh Commission recommendations.

The issue has resurfaced amid campus tensions following the Assembly election results.

Calcutta University witnessed clashes on Tuesday involving ABVP and Democratic Students’ Organisation (DSO) supporters, leaving several students injured.

Allegations were also raised that female students had been assaulted during the confrontation.

Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) state president Trinankur Bhattacharya said his organisation welcomed student union elections but criticised recent violence on campuses.

“A democratic atmosphere must return,” he said.

Students’ Federation of India (SFI) leaders accused ABVP of trying to capture campuses using political power.

The organisation alleged that outsiders were being brought into campuses to take control of union rooms and said it would continue opposing intimidation and “campus violence culture”.