Mamata Banerjee faced strong protests during her visit to Oxford University on Thursday. The West Bengal Chief Minister was questioned about the RG Kar College case and post-poll violence in West Bengal, with protestors raising their concerns about her governance. The incident took place at Kellogg College, where Banerjee was giving a speech.
Key Highlights:
BJP Criticizes Banerjee Over Anti-India Allegations
The protests were fueled by allegations made by BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal, who described Banerjee as “anti-Indian.” Jaiswal claimed that Banerjee’s visit abroad was part of an “anti-India agenda,” similar to Rahul Gandhi’s recent trips. He accused her of supporting the influx of Bangladeshis into West Bengal and facilitating their access to Indian documents, such as Aadhar cards.
At the same time, BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video on X showing protestors, allegedly from the Bengali Hindu community, confronting Banerjee, accusing her of various crimes. The protestors raised slogans against her leadership, criticizing her handling of issues such as rape, murder, and corruption.
Protest at Oxford: Banerjee’s Response and SFI UK’s Role
In response to the disruptions during her speech, Mamata Banerjee maintained her composure and engaged with the protestors. She addressed them with respect, referring to one of the protestors as “brother” and urging them not to engage in politics. Banerjee also responded defiantly, saying, “I walk just like a Royal Bengal Tiger, and if you can catch me…”
The Students Federation of India (SFI UK) later took responsibility for the protests, stating that they had raised their voices against what they claimed were false narratives promoted by Banerjee. The students accused her of lying about the social development achievements in West Bengal and called out her government’s corruption and undemocratic rule.
Trinamool Congress Defends Banerjee
In response to the protests, Trinamool Congress (TMC) members highlighted Banerjee’s unwavering spirit, dubbing her a “Royal Bengal Tiger.” The party posted a video showing Banerjee standing firm despite the heckling, emphasizing her resilience and unshaken leadership.
A High-Profile Clash
The incident at Oxford University has once again thrust Mamata Banerjee into the spotlight, with growing criticism from the opposition over her handling of governance in West Bengal. The protests, led by SFI UK, reflect the increasing political tensions surrounding her leadership. As Banerjee’s relationship with the Indian diaspora and opposition parties continues to heat up, the India-UK diplomatic and political discussions may take a new turn.
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