RNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s address at Kellogg College, Oxford University, in London took a dramatic turn on Thursday when she faced intense heckling and confrontation from members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
The protest was sparked by her claims of massive industrialization in West Bengal, as well as questions surrounding a horrific rape-murder incident at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
During her speech, Mamata proudly spoke of the industrial progress in her state, asserting, “Everybody is investing. If you ask me, nobody is left out, except for one sector—the direct flight from Kolkata to London.” This prompted a vocal reaction from the SFI students, who rolled out banners and raised their objections to her statements. When confronted, Mamata responded lightheartedly, saying, “Thank you so much. You are welcoming me. I will give you a sweet tooth.”
#Breaking: WB CM #MamataBanerjee’s speech at Kellogg College, University of Oxford interrupted by questions on Abhaya/RG Kar case.
Mamata Banerjee says, “This matter is sub judice, this case is with the central government. Do not do politics here, this platform is not for… pic.twitter.com/fwPYYYHPsW
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) March 27, 2025
The tension escalated when Mamata was questioned about the historical incident in which Tata Motors was forced to leave West Bengal under her leadership during the Left Front regime, leading to the cancellation of a major car factory project. She denied the allegations, calling them inaccurate.
The situation grew even more heated when the topic shifted to the RG Kar rape-murder case. Mamata responded that the case was “subjudice” and under the central government’s jurisdiction, emphasizing that it was not a matter to be politicized at the event. When one student accused Mamata’s ministers in West Bengal of making threats to citizens, she quickly dismissed the claim, saying, “You are absolutely lying.”
Tensions reached a boiling point when Mamata pulled out an old photo of herself, injured during a past confrontation with the Left Front. She claimed they had attempted to kill her, but a student quickly rebutted, “Nobody tried to kill you.”
VIDEO | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s speech at Kellogg College, Oxford University in #London was disrupted briefly after a group of protesters raised slogans over the issues of Bengal post-poll violence and RG Kar College case.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available… pic.twitter.com/xtbJKoW2bk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2025
The confrontation intensified as protesters raised questions about Mamata’s handling of communal issues and corruption. One protester accused her of complicity in the murder of Abhaya, a victim of the RG Kar case, while another questioned her commitment to Hindu communities. The protesters also criticized former cricketer Sourav Ganguly, who was accompanying Mamata, for his involvement in a controversial steel plant project in Garbeta.
The protest at Oxford University has reignited debate about Mamata Banerjee’s leadership and the political climate in West Bengal, as well as her handling of critical issues in the state.
