VC holds Ganesha Puja within BU office, students protest
The Statesman | 29 August 2025
A Ganesha Puja organised by the vice-chancellor himself within the Burdwan University office compound sparked controversy today.
The BU authorities are already grappling with a series of irregularities, including the failure to publish examination results and the pilferage of Rs 1.94 crore from the university’s bank account. Against this backdrop, many students have criticised the arrangement of a Ganesha Puja within an academic institution, particularly at a time when university activities are under scrutiny for alleged misappropriation of funds.
Left-wing student groups expressed their discontent with the vice-chancellor’s decision. They staged a demonstration in front of the BU administrative office, demanding the immediate publication of results and the release of an academic calendar.
Ushasi Roy Chowdhury, district secretary of the SFI, said: “The vice-chancellor is trying to cover up his administrative lapses by organising such festivities within the university compound. Such pujas have no connection with academic affairs. It’s just ridiculous.”
Vice-chancellor Shankar Kumar Nath, however, dismissed the criticism. He said: “We have started Ganesha Puja here this year, and the idol will remain within the compound permanently. We will also organise Viswakarma Puja and Saraswati Puja within the campus.”