ABVP accuses Left outfits of defacing Vivekananda poster at Presidency University; created probe panel

ABVP supporters gathered outside Presidency University in Kolkata. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has accused a left-wing student outfit of defacing its poster of Swami Vivekananda at Presidency University in Kolkata.

The poster was found defaced on Wednesday morning (October 14, 2026). Later that day, a student body affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh staged a two-hour protest at the university, demanding action against those involved, and lodged a complaint with the Jorasanko police station. The ABVP later claimed on social media that Left students attacked its members with “sharp objects” and injured several of them.

Left student unions denied both accusations.

Meanwhile, the university has set up a committee to conduct an inquiry and asked it to submit a report within 15 working days.

ABVP Kolkata secretary Swadhin Haldar told The Hindu on Thursday (October 15, 2026) that the poster had been defaced with “derogatory” words. “We strongly believe that it was done by supporters of left-leaning parties, some outsiders and alumni of the presidency who still frequent the campus. Our sources in the campus told us,” he said, adding that they will not rest until those behind the act are brought to book.

SFI Presidency University Secretary Ushashree denied the allegations and said, “We have nothing to do with the smear. The authorities should check the CCTV footage and determine who did it. Just because we have political and ideological differences with ABVP does not mean we will humiliate Vivekananda.”

She also demanded a detailed investigation into the matter.

Published – 16 Oct 2026 16:07 IST