Controversy Erupts After Bengal University Exam Paper Labels Freedom Fighters As ‘Terrorists’; Vice-Chancellor Issues Apology

There has been a huge controversy at West Bengal's Vidyasagar University following a history exam paper that mentioned Indian freedom fighters as "terrorists." The matter, which provoked broad criticism and protests, prompted an official apology and administrative action from the university administration.

The Incident

The protests started after a question in the sixth semester History Honours exam (Paper C14: Modern Nationalism in India) labelled revolutionary freedom fighters as "terrorists." The question reportedly asked: “Name three District Magistrates of Medinipur, who terrorists killed.” Some of those listed in relation to the question were well-known revolutionaries Bimal Dasgupta, Jyoti Jiban Ghosh, Pradyot Bhattacharya, and Prabanshu Pal.

Public and Political Outrage

The question generated instant criticism, especially after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in West Bengal posted a picture of the paper on social media. In a post on platform X, the party said, “Freedom Fighters are now Terrorists in West Bengal!!! In Vidyasagar University History Honours (6th semester, Paper C14 - Modern Nationalism in India) exam included a shameful question branding legendary Indian revolutionaries as ‘terrorists.’ The question asks: ‘Name three District Magistrates of Medinipur, who terrorists killed.’ And the so-called “terrorists” listed are none other than our great freedom fighters.”

The BJP blamed the state government for diluting the legacy of Indian nationalism and accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government for "deliberate rewriting of history." Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari also flayed the incident as "absolutely outrageous," alleging that freedom fighters had been incorrectly equated with criminals.

University's Response and Clarification

Following the controversy, Vidyasagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dilipkumar Kar gave a formal apology on Thursday, terming it a "grave mistake." He explained that the language used was a "printing error" that went undetected during proofreading.

The university promptly launched an investigation, forming a committee in 24 hours. Dr. Kar said that the Controller of Examinations had been requested to submit a report and ensured that the mistake was made at the moderation stage during paper-setting.

Administrative Action Taken

Upon the inquiry, the university had taken disciplinary action. The faculty member who was handling the moderation of the paper has been removed, and the Chairman of the Undergraduate Board of Studies in History will be relieved of their position as well, as per the media reports.