Full Breakdown
Naseeruddin Shah’s Critique of BJP Amid Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) Student Protests
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The SRFTI Standoff – Core Events
Students at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata have been holding an indefinite sit-in outside Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s office since October 12. The protest follows a clash on September 27 between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-affiliated consumer group, and a second confrontation on October 4 with supporters of the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch. The institute suspended regular academic activities on October 16 and ordered students to vacate hostels by November 13. Six students were rusticated on October 14 for alleged assault on Ajmera and vandalism.
Background & Context
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah frames the unrest as part of a broader “vendetta” by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its “manipulative victory” in the West Bengal Assembly elections earlier 2026. Shah argues the party is targeting students demanding accountability from the institute’s administration.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept 27 | Clash with ABGP members. |
| Oct 1 | Ajmera called the incident “unfortunate.” |
| Oct 4 | Attack by Hindu Jagran Manch supporters. |
| Oct 12 | Indefinite sit-in begins. |
| Oct 14 | Six students rusticated. |
| Oct 16 | Suspension of film-making and video classes until Nov 13; hostel evacuation order. |
| Oct 22 | Filmmaker Payal Kapadia expressed solidarity. |
| Oct 24 | Shah’s video condemning BJP released. |
| Oct 27 (scheduled) | Nationwide student protest announced. |
| Nov 13 (scheduled) | Planned resumption of classes. |
Official Statements & Responses
- BJP spokesperson Rahul Sinha called for a “full investigation” into Shah’s remarks, alleging an “international conspiracy” involving opposition parties.
- SRFTI administration (notice dated Oct 16) said classes were suspended “to ensure orderly functioning” and that students were asked to vacate hostels by Nov 13 for safety.
Criticism & Opposition
Verbatim Quotes
- “Namaskar, adab, I’m Naseeruddin Shah. The BJP, the bloody jhooti party, after its manipulative victory in the Bengal elections now seems all out for revenge on anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs and their policies,” — Naseeruddin Shah
- “We want accountability from the SRFTI administration for the back-to-back attacks on students. The support from Naseeruddin Shah, Payal Kapadia and others has given our protest momentum.” — Santosh Ajmera
Data & Statistics
What’s Next
- The institute plans to resume regular classes on Nov 13, pending safety assessments.
- A coordinated student protest is scheduled for Oct 27 across India, as announced by the SRFTI union.
The dispute underscores tensions between student activism, institutional authority and political commentary in West Bengal’s cultural education sector.