The vice-chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University has written to chief minister Mamata Banerjee intending to “tender resignation” following the “deteriorating situation on the campus with the support of a section of students and non-teaching employees, who claim to be active workers of the ruling party”.
VC Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury has stopped going to the campus since writing to the chief minister on July 18.
The agitation by students started in May when the university decided to hold the end-semester examinations offline.
The students, allegedly owing allegiance to the Trinamul Congress Chhatra Parishad, wanted examinations to be held online, arguing that the syllabus was not completed during the offline classes that started in mid-February. They had allegedly tried to barge into the VC’s room and kicked at the door when they could not.
On June 9, the VC was held up in his car on the BT Road campus for over two hours after being gheraoed by students who demanded the resumption of distance learning courses.
On July 18, the students gheraoed the VC once again alleging a lack of books in the library.
“The students with some employees have been harassing the VC frequently. On July 18, the protesters demanded the VC explain why the registrar was on leave,” said a teacher.
When contacted, TMCP leader Biswajit Dey declined to comment.
“Once I resumed my office on July 18, again a section of students, claimed to be the supporters of the ruling party, barged into my chamber while I was having an urgent meeting and asked me why the registrar is not in his office….I hoped that you will kindly understand the situation and allow me to tender resignation,” the VC’s letter stated.
He told The Telegraph on Wednesday: “I am working from home, given the prevailing situation.”
The VC declined to comment on the letter.