West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee encountered protests at Oxford University’s Kellogg College in London on Thursday. A group of demonstrators questioned her regarding the RG Kar College case and post-poll violence in West Bengal.
Protests and BJP’s Claims
BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video claiming that the protesters were Bengali Hindus confronting Banerjee over various issues, including:
- The rape and murder of a lady doctor at RG Kar Medical College
- Crimes against women in Sandeshkhali
- Alleged genocide of Hindus
- Corruption in the state
Malviya criticized Banerjee, calling her a “disgrace” to West Bengal.
“Just a few posters that were held up to Mamata Banerjee… She is a disgrace to West Bengal. The Hindu Bengali diaspora wants her out as the Chief Minister for destroying Bengal’s legacy and putting them through such ignominy,” he posted on X.
Mamata Banerjee’s Response
During the event, Banerjee faced interruptions, with some attendees chanting “Go back” slogans. Responding to a question about Hindus in Bengal, she stated:
“I am for all, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.”
She further addressed the protesters, saying:
“Please remember this… and don’t do politics. It’s very easy to do politics here and create negative narratives.”
In a video posted by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Banerjee responded assertively:
“You encourage me, Please smile with a hope that Didi will come every time, Didi don’t get bothered, Didi don’t bother anybody, Didi walks just like a Royal Bengal Tiger, and if you can, catch me.”
TMC, while sharing the video, described Banerjee as a “Royal Bengal Tiger”, unfazed by protests.
SFI-UK Takes Responsibility for the Protest
The Students Federation of India (SFI-UK) claimed responsibility for the demonstration, stating:
“SFI-UK held a demonstration at Kellogg College, Oxford, against Mamata Banerjee’s speech. We opposed her blatant lies by asking her for evidence of the social development she claims to pioneer. Instead of allowing us to peacefully express our opinions, the police were called… We raised our voice against TMC’s corrupt, undemocratic rule.”
Economic Debate at Oxford
During a discussion on Social Development – Girl Child and Women Empowerment in West Bengal, Banerjee also disagreed with a claim that India would become the world’s largest economy by 2060.
The host stated:
“India has already overtaken the UK; we are now the 6th largest economy, and soon, it will be the third largest economy in the world. By 2060, it is predicted that it will be the first economy in the world.”
To this, Banerjee replied:
“I will differ that.”
BJP leader Amit Malviya reacted, accusing Banerjee of opposing India’s progress.
“West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world’s largest economy… This is truly shameful. She is a disgrace to the constitutional office she holds. Who behaves like this on foreign soil?” Malviya posted on X.