A speech by West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, at Oxford University's Kellogg College, was marked by significant uproar. Student leaders from the Students' Federation of India (SFI) chanted 'Go back' and questioned her on the issues related to R.G. Kar Medical College.
Responding to the allegations from the students, Mamata Banerjee stated, 'The matter is in court and under the central government's jurisdiction. Do not bring politics here, this platform is not for that. You are lying, don't make it a political stage. Go to Bengal and strengthen your party.'
Source: aajtak
Mamata Cornered by Audience's Queries
Furthermore, when Mamata Banerjee claimed that Bengal attracted billions in investment proposals, a member of the audience requested specifics. Mamata replied, 'There are many…' Before she could elaborate, others prompted the questioner to quiet down, insisting it was not a press conference.
'Let Me Speak, Don't Disgrace the Institution'
Mamata Banerjee emphasized that she should be allowed to express herself. She stated, 'Let me speak. You are not insulting me, but your institution. These individuals do this everywhere I go. I respect all religions – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian. Don’t single out one; include everyone. What you’re doing is wrong. To my ultra-left and communal friends, stop the politics.'
'I Will Only Bow Before the People'
When some attendees chanted 'Go away', Mamata Banerjee confidently declared, 'Didi is unfazed. Didi will visit twice a year and fight like the Royal Bengal Tiger.' Additionally, she said, 'If you ask, I will wash your clothes or cook for you. But if someone tries to make me bow or forces me, I will not bow. I will only bow before the people.'
SFI-UK Claims Responsibility for Protest
SFI-UK (Students' Federation of India - UK) took responsibility for the protest. The organization wrote on their Facebook page, 'We are raising our voice against the corrupt and undemocratic rule of Mamata Banerjee and TMC, in support of students and the working class of West Bengal.'
This entire episode has once again thrust West Bengal politics into the limelight, sparking renewed debate over the protests during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's foreign tours.
