West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee found herself at the center of controversy during her speech at Kellogg College, Oxford University, on Thursday. A group of student protesters, reportedly associated with the UK chapter of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), interrupted her speech, raising concerns about violence in West Bengal, post-poll disturbances, and specific cases of crimes against women. The event quickly turned into a heated verbal exchange, drawing sharp reactions from various political factions, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mamata Banerjee’s Response to the Protesters
Instead of avoiding the confrontation, Mamata Banerjee engaged with the demonstrators, acknowledging their right to protest while urging them not to politicize the event. “Please raise your voice. It is a democracy. I will listen carefully,” she said. However, when students began questioning her about the RG Kar rape case and other incidents in Bengal, she reminded them that the case was under investigation by the central government and that her administration had no direct role.
She firmly stated, “This is not a political platform. If you want to do politics, come to my state and fight there. Not here.” Her response, while assertive, did little to pacify the protesters, who continued chanting slogans and displaying placards.
BJP Labels Banerjee a ‘Disgrace to Bengal’
BJP leader Amit Malviya shared videos of the protest on social media, describing the event as a moment of embarrassment for the West Bengal Chief Minister. “Bengali Hindus confront West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kellogg College in London, raising angry slogans calling her out for the rape and murder of the lady doctor at RG Kar, crimes against women in Sandeshkhali, the genocide of Hindus, and widespread corruption,” Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Further intensifying the criticism, Malviya called Mamata Banerjee a “disgrace to Bengal,” stating that her governance had eroded the state’s legacy and diminished the rights of Hindus in West Bengal. “Who behaves like this on foreign soil? This is truly shameful,” he added.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Defends Its Leader
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) responded to the backlash by sharing footage of Banerjee’s speech, portraying her as a fearless leader undeterred by protests. “She doesn’t flinch. She doesn’t falter. The more you heckle, the fiercer she roars. Mamata Banerjee is a Royal Bengal Tiger!” read a post from the official TMC handle.
Banerjee also invoked her past struggles, holding up an old black-and-white photograph from 1990, showing her injured and wrapped in bandages after an alleged attack by a CPI(M) worker. “I was about to die. These are your atrocities,” she told the protesters, implying that her political journey had been fraught with challenges and she would not be intimidated by opposition voices.
Oxford Speech and Economic Remarks
Apart from the protest, another segment of Banerjee’s speech attracted attention. During a discussion titled “Social Development – Girl, Child, and Women Empowerment in West Bengal,” the Chief Minister expressed skepticism over projections that India would become the world’s largest economy by 2060. “I will differ on that,” she remarked, raising eyebrows among political analysts and economists.
BJP’s Malviya seized upon this statement as well, claiming that Banerjee was displeased with India’s economic progress. “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world’s largest economy… This is truly shameful,” he posted.
Political Implications and Reactions
The protest at Oxford has added another layer to the ongoing political tussle between the TMC and BJP. While Banerjee’s supporters see her as a leader who can stand her ground against opposition, critics argue that her governance is marred by corruption and lawlessness. The incident also highlights the global reach of Indian politics, as diaspora communities and student organizations actively engage with political discourse back home.
As India gears up for upcoming elections, incidents like these may shape public perception and influence voter sentiment. Whether this controversy benefits the TMC or strengthens the BJP’s narrative remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – Mamata Banerjee remains one of India’s most polarizing political figures, unafraid to challenge her opponents, both at home and abroad.
