West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced stiff opposition during her address at Oxford University’s Kellogg College, as members of the audience interrupted her speech with questions and slogans. The interruptions were triggered when she discussed Bengal’s development and investment potential, with one member asking for details on investment proposals worth “lakhs of crores.” Before she could try to answer, others shouted in, claiming that the session was not a press conference.

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Banerjee’s Fiery Response

Among the jeering, Banerjee theatrically produced an old photo of herself from the early 1990s, wearing a bandage on her head. She alleged the photo as evidence of a plot to kill her when she was in opposition. Speaking to the protesters, she told them, “Tell your party to increase its strength in our state (West Bengal) so they can fight with us”

When asked to comment on the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case in Kolkata, which led to nationwide demonstrations, Banerjee strongly rejected the claims. “This case is sub judice; the case is in the hands of the central government. Don’t take politics here—this forum is not meant for politics. You are lying. Don’t make this a political platform,” she insisted.

Clash Over Political Allegations

As disruptions persisted, one of the participants asked about the treatment of Hindus in Bengal. Banerjee replied, “I am for all, Hindus and Muslims,” but was shortly afterwards greeted by shouts of “Go back” from parts of the audience.

The demonstration was spearheaded by left-wing student association members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI-UK), who charged her government with corruption and stifling democratic freedoms. In annoyance, Banerjee fired back, “You should allow me to speak. You are not insulting me; you are insulting your institution.” She further charged some demonstrators with being “ultra-left and communal” and said she was followed by similar disruptions everywhere she went.