West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently visiting the UK, faced protests and disruptions while speaking at Oxford University's Kellogg College. According to India Today, audience members, reportedly led by the Students' Federation of India (SFI-UK), a left-wing student group, interrupted her speech with sharp questions about her state's development and investment policies. The situation escalated as protesters strongly challenged her views, making the event tense and dramatic.

Tensions escalated when Mamata Banerjee spoke about West Bengal’s progress and investment opportunities. The situation took a dramatic turn when she was questioned about the controversial RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case in Kolkata. A member of the audience challenged her government’s handling of the case, leading to a heated exchange.

She was also asked about the treatment of Hindus in Bengal, to which she responded, “I am for all, Hindus and Muslims.” Soon after, a section of the audience started chanting “Go back,” further intensifying the chaos.

Frustrated Mamata Banerjee responded to the protesters, saying, “You should let me speak. You are not insulting me; you are disrespecting your institution.”

Mamata Banerjee shows old poster

As the disruptions continued, she made a bold move by holding up a large poster of herself from the 1990s. The image showed her with a bandaged head from serious injuries, showing her past struggles.

Holding up the poster for everyone to see, Mamata Banerjee said, “First, see my picture, this is how an attempt was made to kill me.” However, the disruptions continued.

Heated Q&A session

During the Q&A session, she faced tough questions about the Tata Group’s controversial exit from West Bengal during her tenure. In response, she once again pointed to the 1990s image, showing her political struggles.

SFI-UK claims responsibility

After the event, SFI-UK issued a statement taking responsibility for the protest and criticized Kellogg College for hosting Banerjee, calling her an “anti-democratic leader.”

SFI-UK held a demonstration at Kellogg College, Oxford, against Mamata Banerjee's speech. We challenged her claims of social development and asked for evidence. Instead of allowing peaceful dissent, the police were called, and the group wrote on X.

You might also be interested in - Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee receives jersey signed by Lionel Messi, calls him "artist with the ball"