Why Rename Jadavpur University? Sarbari Mukherjee Puts Forward Her Proposal

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Sep 04, 2026 1,550 Views

BJP MLA Sarbari Mukherjee has called for Jadavpur University to be renamed after Sri Aurobindo, citing his historical ties to its precursor institution. The proposal, announced during a party convention, comes amid heightened political friction and student group clashes across the south Kolkata campus.

KOLKATA — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Sarbari Mukherjee formally proposed renaming Jadavpur University after freedom fighter-turned-philosopher Sri Aurobindo.

Speaking at a 'Nationalist Convention' held at the university's Triguna Sen Auditorium, Mukherjee stated that a mass petition would be submitted to the state governor—serving as the ex-officio chancellor—the chief minister, and the state higher education minister if required. The proposal links the institution's origins to Aurobindo Ghosh, who served as the first principal of the Bengal National College in 1906, before the institution formally transitioned into Jadavpur University in 1955.

Campus Unrest and Nationalist Push

The convention, organized by a committee named after the first West Bengal BJP president Haripada Bharati, follows a series of campus clashes between members of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-leaning student organizations. Senior BJP leaders used the platform to address alleged security concerns and political friction within the south Kolkata campus.

During the event, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha asserted that the party intends to "erase" Maoist and Naxal elements from the institution and ensure that nationalist activities, including the singing of Vande Mataram, are permanently established. The political intervention highlights deepening ideological polarization surrounding West Bengal’s premier higher education hubs following recent police scuffles and property damage on site.

According to official event statements, party addresses, and political filings:

Proposed Name: Sri Aurobindo University (or renaming Jadavpur University after Sri Aurobindo).
Historical Reference: Aurobindo Ghosh’s tenure as principal of Bengal National College in 1906.
Proposed Administrative Route: Mass petition submission to the Chancellor, Chief Minister, and Higher Education Minister.
Key Security Claims: Allegations by party leaders regarding external ideological influence and student ragging.

Official Sources Section

PTI News Archives: Official wire reports detailing the Nationalist Convention, MLA statements, and political counter-responses.
West Bengal Legislative Assembly Portals: Constituency representation metrics and official MLA legislative documentation.

Quote Section

"According to BJP MLA Sarbari Mukherjee, 'Many nationalist people are of the opinion that Jadavpur University should be renamed after Sri Aurobindo,' noting his foundational role as the first principal of the precursor Bengal National College in 1906."

Why It Matters

For academics, students, and state administrators, proposals to alter the identity of historic educational institutions carry profound cultural and political weight. The renaming debate intensifies the ongoing struggle for ideological influence across West Bengal’s university spaces, directly impacting campus governance and administrative relations with the state government.

Key Facts at a Glance

Proponent: Sarbari Mukherjee, BJP MLA for Jadavpur.
Proposed Figure: Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghosh).
Historical Precedent: Bengal National College established in 1906.
Context: Institutional fallout following recent student group clashes.

FAQ Section

Why is the BJP proposing to rename Jadavpur University?BJP leaders argue that naming the institution after Sri Aurobindo honors his historical role as the first principal of the Bengal National College, from which the university evolved, while promoting nationalist values on campus.

How does the proposed renaming process work under state regulations?The proposal requires formal legislative or executive action, with proponents planning to submit mass petitions to the state governor, chief minister, and higher education ministry.

What triggered the recent political conventions at the university?The convention was organized in the wake of physical clashes between ABVP and Left-leaning student unions over political demonstrations and campus access.

Where can citizens review official updates concerning West Bengal legislative proposals? Formal documentation and session proceedings are cataloged through the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Portal.