BJP's Keya Ghosh Slams Naseeruddin Shah Over SRFTI Student Row
BJP leader Keya Ghosh hits back at actor Naseeruddin Shah's claims regarding the student strike at SRFTI in Kolkata.
A political firestorm has erupted in West Bengal as BJP leader Keya Ghosh launched a scathing attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. The clash follows the actor's public criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding a student strike at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata.
The Actor's Allegations
The controversy began when Naseeruddin Shah posted a video on Instagram, accusing the BJP of conducting a "vendetta" against aspiring filmmakers. Shah alleged that after what he termed a "manipulative victory" in the Bengal elections, the party is now targeting those who do not align with its beliefs and policies.
Specifically referring to the SRFTI students, Shah claimed that those demanding accountability from the administration were met with show-cause notices, surveillance, threats, and orders to vacate their hostels. He urged "right-minded citizens" to support the students, asserting that the government is attempting to brainwash or frighten the next generation of filmmakers.
Keya Ghosh Hits Back
Responding to these claims, BJP leader Keya Ghosh questioned the actor's political neutrality. She suggested that Shah's remarks are influenced by family ties, noting that his niece is associated with the Left movement and has contested elections in West Bengal twice.
"The words he used for the BJP, which is the world’s largest political party, clearly reveal his political outlook," Ghosh stated, adding that Shah seems unable to accept the BJP's substantial victory in the state.
Questions Over 'Student' Age and Conduct
Ghosh further challenged the narrative of "young students" being victimized. She pointed out that some of the individuals involved in the protests are significantly older than typical students, claiming that the average age is around 35, with some individuals being 37 or 41 years old.
The BJP leader also highlighted the alleged volatility of the protesters, noting that the Vice-Chancellor's office was occupied for two consecutive days. She pointed to offensive language allegedly written on the walls of the institute targeting both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister as evidence of the protesters' conduct.
The Roots of the SRFTI Conflict
The tension at the institute dates back to September 27, when a clash broke out between members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat. The conflict started over an event organized by the Grahak Panchayat, with students questioning the entry of outsiders into the campus.
The situation worsened on October 4 during a march by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, where reports indicate that stones and bottles were thrown at students, resulting in injuries.
Administrative Fallout
The crisis deepened as Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas reported that six students had been rusticated and others served with show-cause notices. There are allegations that disciplinary measures are being used to threaten the academic and professional futures of the students.
However, the SRFTI administration provided a different account on October 15, claiming that the Vice-Chancellor, Santosh Ajmera, was manhandled, gheraoed, and abused by students. The institute's faculty and staff have strongly condemned these attacks on the administration.