Kolkata Protest 2025: Jobless Teachers and Students Unite for Justice

In Kolkata, the fight for justice continues as jobless teachers, backed by students, gear up for another powerful protest march from Karunamoyee to Bikash Bhavan on Saturday. Despite police crackdowns, the movement grows stronger with injured teachers refusing to back down. This fresh wave of protests, sparked by alleged unfair job terminations has gripped West Bengal, drawing attention on social media platforms like X and beyond.

Details & Context

The ongoing protests stem from the controversial termination of thousands of teachers in West Bengal, following a 2022 court ruling. The “Eligible Teachers’ Rights Forum” has been at the forefront, organising sit-ins and marches to demand reinstatement. On Thursday, a massive Bikash Bhavan gherao turned chaotic after clashes with police who allegedly resorted to lathi charge. Injured protesters, some with bandaged heads and limping, have stayed put at Bikash Bhavan, showcasing unbreakable resolve.

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Saturday’s march, starting from Karunamoyee will see students joining the jobless teachers, amplifying the movement’s reach. The protesters condemn the police’s actions, calling them “barbaric.” Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari visited the site on Friday, slamming the state government and referencing a 2022 court order by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, which identified 7,000 eligible teachers for reinstatement. Adhikari argued that adhering to the order could have prevented the crisis.

Social media, especially X is buzzing with updates. Posts with hashtags like #JusticeForTeachers and #BikashBhavanProtest are trending, with users sharing videos of the lathi charge and calling for accountability. A recent X post stated, “Teachers are the backbone of our nation, yet they’re beaten for demanding their rights. Shame on WB Govt.!” The movement has also reached the Calcutta High Court where a petitioner demands a report from the Bidhannagar Police Commissioner on the lathi charge incident.

Quotes

· Suvendu Adhikari, Opposition Leader: “This is barbaric. Teachers are the spine of our nation. In the land of Vidyasagar and Vivekananda, I condemn this brutality. If Mamata Banerjee had followed Justice Gangopadhyay’s 2022 order, these eligible teachers wouldn’t be on the streets.”

· Injured Protester: “They can break our legs with batons but not our spirit. We’ll fight until justice is served.”

· Eligible Teachers’ Rights Forum Member: “Our students standing with us gives us hope. This is not just about jobs; it’s about dignity and the future of education in Bengal.”

Additional Information

The protests began Thursday at noon with a planned gherao of Bikash Bhavan, the state education department’s headquarters. Tensions escalated as police allegedly used force to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries. On Friday, protesters observed a “Condemnation Day” to protest the lathi charge. The movement has drawn political attention with Adhikari threatening to disrupt the upcoming assembly session if demands aren’t met.

The Calcutta High Court case adds another layer. The petitioner questions how police could lathi charge a peaceful protest while the SSC case remains under Supreme Court review. A hearing is expected next week, potentially escalating the issue further. Police, however claim they exercised restraint for seven hours before taking action.

X posts reveal public outrage with users sharing images of injured teachers and criticising the Mamata Banerjee-led government. One viral post read, “When students join teachers in protest, you know the system has failed. #StandWithTeachers.” The movement’s visibility on social media has fuelled its momentum with calls for nationwide support.

Impact Analysis

The protests have far-reaching implications,

· Education Sector: The termination of thousands of teachers has disrupted schools, leaving students and parents worried about academic stability.

· Political Fallout: The lathi charge has handed opposition parties ammunition to criticise the ruling TMC government, especially ahead of the assembly session.

· Social Media Amplification: The movement’s traction on X with thousands of retweets and likes, highlights how digital platforms can drive real-world change. Trending hashtags are boosting visibility, potentially influencing public opinion.

· Legal Ramifications: The High Court case could set a precedent for handling protest-related police actions, impacting future agitations in West Bengal.

The involvement of students marks a turning point, signalling broader societal support. However, continued police action risks escalating tensions, potentially leading to larger unrest.

Conclusion

The Karunamoyee to Bikash Bhavan march symbolises more than a fight for jobs—it’s a stand for dignity, justice and the future of education in West Bengal. With students joining hands with jobless teachers, the movement is gaining unstoppable momentum. Despite injuries and setbacks, the protesters’ spirit remains unshaken, amplified by social media and political backing. As the Calcutta High Court prepares to hear the case, all eyes are on Kolkata. Will justice prevail, or will the struggle intensify.?

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