Kolkata/IBNS: The West Bengal Higher Education Department has formally appealed to the Calcutta University to reschedule an examination due to be held on August 28 as it coincides with the foundation day of Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s student wing.

A B.Com and BA LLB fourth semester examinations are due to be held on August 28.

CU Vice-Chancellor Shanta Datta Dey had earlier cleared that she won't reschedule the examinations even after the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) members protested demanding change in the date.

"No examination is held on a government holiday. If I have to schedule an examination keeping a party programme in mind, then I have to do it checking so many programmes organised by different parties! The examination is scheduled by the PG Board of Studies following the academic calendar," Datta Dey had said speaking to ABP Ananda.

"It's undemocratic to consider a party programme for scheduling an examination," the V-C added.

Following the V-C's defiance, a letter was sent to her by a senior official of the Higher Education Department.

"I am directed to inform you that a number of representation from the students...have been received by the department for rescheduling the examinations scheduled on the 28th August, apprehending traffic disruptions as well as massive pressure on public transportation due to procession of the students on the foundation day of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) in Kolkata and facing difficulties in reaching the examination centres in time on August 28," the letter stated as quoted by The Telegraph.

Reacting to the letter, the V-C told ABP Ananda, "This is unprecedented and unexpected. I have received a government letter so I will call an emergency syndicate meeting where we will discuss the matter. I am not rescheduling the examination as of now."

"The government is working for the ruling party. If the party supremo had called off the TMCP foundation day celebration this year in view of multiple criminal activities that have surfaced in recent times, her image would have improved and she would have benefitted in the 2026 elections," she added.