Mamata Banerjee Confronts Protesters During Oxford Speech, Handles Disruption with Strong Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced an unexpected challenge during her maiden speech at Kellogg College, Oxford University, in London when left-wing student protesters attempted to disrupt her address. The incident took place on Thursday as Banerjee was speaking on social development issues concerning women, children, and marginalized communities. The protesters, reportedly raising concerns about issues back in West Bengal, tried to interrupt her speech. However, Mamata Banerjee swiftly took control of the situation, addressing the protesters firmly but calmly.
“Please don’t do politics here. You can do it with me in my state,” she stated, urging them to bring their political concerns to West Bengal rather than disrupting an academic event. “If you want to get a political platform, go to Bengal,” she added. In an attempt to pacify the protestors, she referred to one of them as “brother,” demonstrating her effort to diffuse the tension. She also challenged them to strengthen their political presence in West Bengal if they wished to compete with her party.
In a powerful moment, Banerjee held up a black and white photograph from 1990, depicting her injured and wrapped in bandages after an alleged brutal attack by CPI(M) youth wing worker Lalu Alam. She accused her political opponents of attempting to eliminate her, saying, “I was about to die. These are your atrocities.” Emphasizing that she was not engaging in theatrics, she called on the protesters to maintain decorum and respect the academic institution. “Instead of insulting me, you are insulting your institution. Don’t disrespect your institution. You can disrespect me, but you cannot disrespect your institution,” she asserted.
Banerjee further accused the Left of having a habitual tendency to create disturbances whenever she speaks, warning that similar disruptions could occur when their leaders visit. She reiterated her commitment to unity, emphasizing, “I am for Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai. I am for all. I am for unity. You people are not.”
Despite the protests, Mamata Banerjee remained unfazed and continued her speech with confidence. She even encouraged her supporters by saying, “You encourage me. Didi will come every time. Didi does not bother anybody. Didi walks like a Royal Bengal Tiger. If you can catch me, catch me!” Her strong and defiant response resonated with the audience, and the protesters were eventually forced to leave the hall as the audience supported Banerjee. She went on to conclude her speech without any further disturbances.
The Chief Minister was invited to speak at Kellogg College on the topic of social development, where she highlighted key welfare schemes implemented by her government, such as ‘Swasthya Saathi’ and ‘Kanyashree.’ The event, which was meant to focus on governance and development, took an unexpected turn due to the protest, but Mamata Banerjee’s assertive stance ensured that the disruption did not overshadow her message.
For video news coverage, visit our YouTube channel THE OLIGO.
