# Kolkata students allege marks threat for refusing Modi play 2026-09-26T11:51:25+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets A section of students at Scottish Church College in Kolkata has alleged that they were threatened with adverse consequences for refusing to participate in a play titled 'Namo Seva, Untold Stories', organised as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday. A student claimed they were warned during an online meeting on September 24 that their internal examination marks and project assessments could be affected. Principal Madhumanjari Mandal denied the charge, telling PTI that participation was voluntary and the college was following a directive from the state Higher Education Department. State-run higher educational institutions have been asked by the West Bengal government to stage the play and organise drawing and elocution competitions between September 17 and October 10. Several drama club students said the play allegedly contains political references and an appeal to raise the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram'. The play is scheduled for September 29. VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal posted on X questioning if the slogan is banned in Kolkata's colleges. The student said the college's approach changed on September 25 after concerns were raised in a college WhatsApp group. ## Indian Opinion Analysis All three sources carry the same core facts from PTI. New Indian Express and The Hindu report the story in straight news style, leading with the student allegation and the principal's denial. Rediff frames it more dramatically, headlining the threat of marks cut and opening with a line about debate over academic freedom, which is editorial framing not present in the wire copy. The principal says participation was voluntary and the college followed a state directive. The only disputed fact is the alleged threat over marks, which the college denies. The play goes ahead on September 29. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com (neutral report) Leads with student allegation, gives equal space to principal's denial, no editorial framing. - thehindu.com (neutral report) Straight wire-style report, leads with allegation and denial, no added opinion or commentary. - rediff.com (sensationalist) Headline uses threat language and marks cut framing, opens with debate over academic freedom. Tags: Kolkata, Madhumanjari Mandal, Narendra Modi, Scottish Church College Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/kolkata-college-students-allege-mark-threat-over-modi-play-principal-denies/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/kolkata-college-students-allege-mark-threat-over-modi-play-principal-denies/#story-in-brief