Full Breakdown
Actor’s Support for SRFTI Students Sparks Political Row
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SRFTI Student Protest and Actor’s Intervention
Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata have been holding an indefinite sit-in outside vice-chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s office since October 12. Their demands include accountability for two campus incidents and protection from disciplinary action. The administration rusticated six students on October 15, accusing them of assaulting Ajmera and staff and vandalising his office, while suspending classes until November 13 and ordering hostel evacuations. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah posted an Instagram video urging “intelligent people” to back the students, describing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s actions as a “propaganda campaign” aimed at intimidating or brainwashing future filmmakers.
Background of Campus Clashes
The unrest began after a clash on September 27 between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, an RSS-affiliated group holding an event on campus. A second confrontation occurred on October 4 when members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha gathered outside SRFTI and attempted to force open the gate after police intervention.
Official Statements & Responses
Shah’s video accused the BJP of seeking revenge following its “manipulative victory” in the West Bengal Assembly elections and alleged that students faced show-cause notices, surveillance, threats and hostel eviction for demanding answers. Vice-chancellor Ajmera told The Telegraph that classes could resume once “students stopped damaging property” and accused the protesters of trying to take control of the institute.
Criticism & Opposition
BJP leaders rebuked Shah’s remarks. Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha claimed Shah “was asleep for so long” and suggested foreign funding and signaling, promising evidence of such links. BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari labeled Shah’s ideology as opposed to the BJP and RSS, questioning why Shah remained silent when West Bengal ministers and the Kolkata mayor chanted “Dawat-e-Islami,” and accusing him of aligning with “foreign money.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The BJP… 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
- “Naseeruddin Shah was asleep for so long; how did he suddenly wake up? He only woke up when he received a signal from abroad. Full evidence of where he’s receiving funding and where he’s being signalled will emerge; don’t worry. We won’t allow those who live in India and speak against India and talk about dividing the country into pieces to stay here.” — Sabha MP Rahul Sinha
