Suvendu Adhikari says Vande Mataram must be sung in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said people living in the state must sing Vande Mataram and stressed there would be no compromise on nationalism. He also criticised alleged anti-national elements at Jadavpur University and targeted the Left parties

Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said anyone living in West Bengal would have to sing ‘Vande Mataram’, asserting that there would be no compromise on nationalism.

Addressing a gathering of beneficiaries of the Annapurna Yojana scheme in his Bhawanipur constituency, Adhikari launched a scathing attack on what he described as “anti-national” elements on the Jadavpur University campus.

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“To stay in West Bengal, one must sing ‘Vande Mataram’. This chief minister will make no compromise on nationalism and patriotism,” he said.

Adhikari alleged that the national flag was not hoisted at Jadavpur University, the state Education Department was denied entry and CCTV cameras were not allowed to be installed on the campus.

He accused the “tukde-tukde gang” and “jihadi” elements of opposing the singing of Vande Mataram and the observance of Republic Day and Independence Day at the university.

“Whatever a section of the media may write in support of those who are anti-national, we will establish nationalism inside and outside Jadavpur,” Adhikari said.

The chief minister said his government had been formed to fulfil the vision of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and asserted that Jadavpur University must reflect nationalism, Indian and “Sanatan” culture.

He also targeted the Left parties, referring to their leaders as “Lal babus” and claiming that their candidates had lost their electoral deposits in the assembly polls earlier this year.