KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said there would be “no compromise” on nationalism and patriotism in the state, asserting that anyone living in West Bengal must sing ‘Vande Mataram’.Speaking at a gathering of beneficiaries of the Annapurna Yojana scheme in his Bhawanipur constituency, Adhikari also launched a sharp attack on what he described as “anti-national” elements at Jadavpur University.“To stay in West Bengal, one must have to sing ‘Vande Mataram’. This chief minister will have no compromise on nationalism and patriotism,” he said.Adhikari alleged that the national flag had not been hoisted at Jadavpur University and claimed that the state Education Department had been denied entry to the campus. He also alleged that CCTV cameras were not being allowed to be installed there.He accused what he called the “tukde-tukde gang” and “jihadi” elements of opposing the singing of Vande Mataram as well as 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 should reflect nationalism as well as Indian and “Sanatan” culture.He also attacked the Left parties, referring to their leaders as “Lal babus” and claiming that their candidates had lost their electoral deposits in the assembly polls held earlier this year.(With PTI inputs)
