Student Radicalism and Political Attitudes in Contemporary West Bengal : Continuity, Transformation, and Democratic Challenges

Student movements have historically been significant drivers of political and social transformation across the world. Universities often function as spaces where youth engage with new political ideas, question authority, and mobilize collective action for social change (Altbach 1997; Feuer 1969). In West Bengal, student activism has played a particularly prominent role in shaping political discourse and mobilizing youth participation in democratic processes (Banerjee 1991). The political transition of 2011, which ended more than three decades of Left Front rule, marked a critical turning point in the political landscape of the state. This change influenced various institutions of society, including higher education and student politics (Chatterjee 2016). The present study explores the nature and direction of student radicalism in contemporary West Bengal. It examines ideological orientations, patterns of political participation, and the socio-economic characteristics of university students. Using a combination of literature review, survey-based analysis, and examination of media reports, the paper analyzes whether present-day students retain the radical political orientation historically associated with student movements in Bengal. The findings indicate that while active political participation among students remains limited, a significant proportion of university students continue to express radical or left-leaning attitudes toward social change. Differences in political orientation are observed across gender, place of origin, and socio-economic background. The study concludes that student radicalism persists in transformed forms and continues to shape youth political consciousness in the region.