‘Bloody Jhooti Party’: Naseeruddin Shah Slams BJP, Backs Kolkata Film Institute Students

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling it a “bloody jhooti party” and accusing it of pursuing political revenge against dissenters, promoting propaganda and attempting to intimidate future filmmakers, while supporting students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). The agitation, which began following campus violence on September 27, entered its 27th day on Saturday, drawing support from acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia and several members of the film fraternity.

In a Facebook video, the 76-year-old actor described the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year as “manipulative” and alleged that the party was targeting those who opposed its beliefs and policies. He claimed that students demanding accountability had faced show-cause notices, surveillance, threats and hostel-vacation orders. Shah warned that attempts to “brainwash or frighten” aspiring filmmakers would fail, asserting that young artists would continue to tell the truth about India and its condition. He urged citizens to support the students’ demands.

The crisis began on September 27 when students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-affiliated organisation, clashed during a campus programme. Students alleged assault and intimidation, including inappropriate physical contact involving women, while the ABGP alleged that its banners were vandalised and its members attacked. Three FIRs were registered, and the West Bengal government constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident.

Tensions escalated on October 4 when members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha protested outside the institute. Students alleged that stones and bottles were thrown towards the campus. The administration subsequently faced criticism over security arrangements and its handling of the incidents.

Students began boycotting classes on September 28 and launched an indefinite sit-in outside Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s office on October 12, demanding his resignation, accountability and stronger campus security.

The administration rusticated six students over alleged misconduct, including vandalism and manhandling the vice-chancellor. Students denied the allegations. On October 16, SRFTI suspended regular academic activities in its Film and Electronic and Digital Media departments until November 13 and directed students to vacate campus premises within 24 hours.

Reports of mess closure, drinking-water shortages and restricted access to facilities have further intensified the protest. Kapadia and more than 50 artists and filmmakers have called for an impartial investigation, student protection and due process.

BJP spokesperson Rahul Sinha questioned Shah’s remarks and alleged a wider conspiracy, without publicly establishing evidence for the claim. The sit-in remained unresolved on October 24, with campus safety, disciplinary action and administrative accountability at the centre of the dispute.