On Monday, clashes broke out between activists from various Leftist student organisations and members of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) across West Bengal. The violence occurred during a strike organised by the CPI(M)--affiliated Students’ Federation of India (SFI) on university campuses, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu.

Reports of confrontations emerged from multiple locations, including Medinipur town in Paschim Medinipur district, Siliguri in Darjeeling district, Cooch Behar district, and Panskura in Purba Medinipur district, where SFI and AIDSO activists clashed with TMCP members.

In Kolkata, the campuses of Jadavpur and Presidency universities appeared empty, as most students, faculty, and staff avoided the premises. However, SFI members gathered to enforce the strike, which began at 10 a.m.

The strike's impact varied across institutions like Calcutta University, Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal University and Burdwan University. According to university officials, semester examinations continued as scheduled, while some classes were disrupted.

Fewer members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) were seen on some campuses than at Jadavpur University and Presidency University. Meanwhile, activists from Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, the student wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress, were also on the campuses.

The strike did not disrupt traffic, as SFI activists refrained from blocking roads. Candidates were able to reach their examination centres without any issues. The West Bengal Board's Class 12 exams also commenced on Monday.

On March 1, two students were injured at Jadavpur University when a car from Minister Basu’s convoy grazed past them during a tense situation. Leftist students attempted to block the minister’s exit, demanding discussions on student union elections. Basu was also injured when protesters damaged his car’s windshield. The incident occurred as he was leaving the campus after attending the annual general meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA), where he serves as chairman of the Trinamool Congress-backed teachers’ body.

SFI state committee member Shuvajit Sarkar accused "Outsiders sheltered by the TMC had instigated the violence and vandalism on the Jadavpur University campus on Saturday during the AGM of WBCUPA in the presence of Basu".

Recalling the events of March 1, Sarkar told PTI, "The students only wanted to have a discussion with the education minister in the presence of the vice-chancellor, but he behaved in a high-handed manner with them and tried to leave the campus in a huff."

The students wanted to speak with the minister, but instead of addressing them, he got into his car, accompanied by TMC supporters and outsiders. His driver then sped away without considering the safety of the protesting students nearby.

As the car moved, it hit two students, leaving one seriously injured. However, Sarkar claimed the minister did not stop or check on them and continued driving.

"Basu is responsible for the injuries to the two students, and we demand his resignation from the state cabinet and police action against him for fuelling fire on the Jadavpur University campus," according to him.

The SFI has pledged to support the smooth conduct of the higher secondary examinations, which started on Monday. He added that it would also set up camps near exam centres to assist students.