TMCP members show 'black flags' to Governor Bose during visit to Calcutta University

On Thursday, West Bengal Governor C.V. Anand Bose faced protests from members of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) during an event at Calcutta University. As the governor entered the university’s College Street campus to attend a certificate-giving ceremony for PhD graduates, TMCP activists gathered on the roadside, shouting "Go Back" slogans and waving black flags.

The protests stemmed from allegations that the governor had appointed a vice-chancellor in violation of university regulations. The students accused the governor of bypassing procedures, fueling tensions between the state government and Raj Bhavan. Despite the protest, the governor, who also serves as the chancellor of all state universities, continued with the ceremony.

At the core of the controversy is the absence of a full-time vice-chancellor at Calcutta University, which the TMCP claims has prevented the annual convocation from being held. As an alternative, the university organized Thursday’s certificate-giving event. The students also raised concerns about limited entry into the university, claiming that only select professors were allowed in during the event.

Currently, Shanta Dutta is serving as the acting vice-chancellor. A search committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge UU Lalit, was formed to identify candidates for the permanent vice-chancellor position. However, disagreements between the state government and the governor’s office have delayed the process. In July, the Supreme Court mandated the appointment of vice-chancellors in all West Bengal universities within three months, outlining a process in which the Chief Minister selects one of three candidates proposed by the search committee, and the governor formally appoints the chosen candidate.