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

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

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

The left student bodies have denied both allegations. 

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

ABVP’s Kolkata secretary Swadhin Haldar told The Hindu on Thursday (October 15, 2026) that the poster had been defaced using “derogatory” words. “We firmly believe this was done by Left-inclined party supporters, some outsiders and alumni of the presidency who still visit the campus. We have been told by our sources inside the campus,” he said, adding that they will not rest until those behind the act are brought to the book. 

Denying the allegations, SFI Presidency University secretary Ushashree said, “We have nothing to do with the defacement. The authorities should check CCTV footage and determine who did this. Just because we have political and ideological differences with the ABVP does not mean we will demean Vivekananda.”

She also demanded a detailed probe into the matter.