Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized an academic visit to Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata on April 20, 2026, offering students a firsthand experience of political discourse in the media. The visit featured an engaging and insightful panel discussion titled “Baat Bangal Ki,” centered on the upcoming Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

The programme brought together a diverse panel of speakers representing multiple political ideologies, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue in a democratic society. The moderator was Aarendra Pratap Singh.

The panel included Professor Pradipta Mukherjee, a representative of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC); Sayantan Basu from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Chandan Ghosh representing the Indian National Congress (INC); and senior journalist Ashok Pandey. The discussion explored the political climate of Bengal, highlighting governance, public concerns, and electoral strategies. Panelists supported their arguments with relevant data and real-life examples, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of political realities.

While ideological differences led to moments of intense debate, a shared concern for citizen welfare and empowerment emerged as a unifying theme. The discussion also addressed pressing issues such as illegal infiltration and how future governments might tackle these challenges.

The second segment featured a one-on-one interaction with Shishir Bajoria, Convenor of the Election Management Cell, Bengal BJP. The conversation focused on the significance of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, particularly through mechanisms like Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The interactive nature of the event allowed students to engage directly with political representatives, posing questions and gaining clarity on key issues.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya

Associate Professor, Dept of Mass Communication