KOLKATA, April 24 -- A war of words erupted on Friday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the state-run Jadavpur University (JU) falling into "anarchy", leading chief minister Mamata Banerjee to accuse him for insulting "meritorious students" at the centre of excellence.

The high-decibel face-off over the university came as top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the TMC addressed more than a dozen rallies and road shows across seven districts, including Kolkata, that go to polls in the second and last phase on April 29.

Addressing a rally in Jadavpur, PM Modi said the university was once held in high regard around the world.

"Its foundation was laid on the spirit of nationalism. Look at...