
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's speech at the University of Oxford's Kellogg College on Thursday was also interrupted by agitators bringing up different concerns, including Tata Group's pulling out from West Bengal in 2008 and the 2024 one surrounding the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and Medical College.
While addressing, Banerjee highlighted the welfare schemes focus of Bengal and women empowerment, pointing out that the state is executing 97 social sector programmes and that Kolkata has emerged as a major job hub in the nation.
While speaking, the audience members wore placards and challenged her stand on issues. Banerjee hit back calling the protesters "Left, ultra-Left friends and communal forces" and said she did not care if they posed questions. She held up a photograph from the 1990s depicting the injuries she had suffered during the Left Front regime, adding, "These were your atrocities. This is how you wanted to kill me. Have a look."
Banerjee asked the protesters not to politicize the occasion, saying, "Please do not do politics here. This is not a political platform. you can [protest] in my state. Not here." She further said, "You are insulting your institution. Do not disrespect your institution. This is their habit. They cannot change their habit."
In spite of the interruptions, Banerjee went on with her speech, stressing the need for unity and communal harmony. She stated that Bengal has 34% minorities, such as Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and others, and stressed her devotion to unity among all communities.
The event ended without any further incident, and Banerjee stated that she was determined to go on with her work, saying, "Didi does not bother. She works like a Royal Bengal Tiger."
The crisis in Oxford has touched India too, with opposition politicians attacking Banerjee's response to the crisis. Amit Malviya, the BJP IT cell chief, called her a "disgrace to West Bengal," claiming that the Hindu Bengali community wants her to be removed as Chief Minister for supposedly bringing shame to the legacy of Bengal.
Banerjee's UK visit was meant to promote ties with allies and promote Bengal's development plans. The Oxford incident highlights the controversy and challenges surrounding her leadership at home and abroad.