Key Points:
- Mamata Banerjee’s speech at Oxford University disrupted by student protests over governance and controversial issues.
- Protesters raised slogans, questioned her handling of RG Kar Medical College rape case, and accused her of political suppression.
- Banerjee emphasized unity, communal harmony, and her government’s welfare initiatives during the address.
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced intense protests during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College on Thursday. Members of the audience, including representatives from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI-UK), interrupted her with slogans and sharp questions about governance in Bengal, particularly the RG Kar Medical College rape case and allegations of political suppression. Despite the disruptions, Banerjee remained defiant, defending her administration and stressing the importance of unity and inclusive development.
Protests and Disruptions
The event took a dramatic turn when student protesters raised placards and shouted slogans like “Go Back,” questioning Banerjee’s handling of sensitive issues. They criticized her government over post-poll violence, the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, and alleged corruption. SFI-UK accused Banerjee of suppressing democratic rights in Bengal and demanded evidence of the social development she claimed to pioneer.
One protester asked if Banerjee was “anti-Hindu,” while others questioned her government’s failure to conduct student elections in Bengal for six years. The protesters also raised concerns about rising school dropout rates among girls and suppression of dissent at Jadavpur University.
Banerjee’s Response
Banerjee countered the disruptions with resilience. She displayed an old image from the 1990s showing her with a bandaged head, claiming it as evidence of an attempt to kill her during her time in opposition under Left Front rule. Addressing the RG Kar case, she stated that it was sub judice and under central government investigation, urging protesters not to politicize the issue.
“You are lying. Do not make this a political platform. If you want to do politics, go to Bengal and strengthen your party,” she said firmly. She accused the protesters of being “ultra-left” or “communal forces” trying to disrupt her speech.
Banerjee also emphasized unity and communal harmony, quoting Swami Vivekananda: “Unity is our strength; division leads to downfall.” She stressed that divisive ideologies cannot sustain society and reiterated her commitment to working for all religions, castes, and creeds.
Achievements Highlighted
Despite interruptions, Banerjee showcased her government’s welfare initiatives:
- Women’s Welfare: She highlighted schemes like Kanyashree scholarships for girl students and Lakshmi Bhandar financial assistance for women.
- Healthcare: Institutional deliveries in Bengal increased from 60% to nearly 100% under her administration, supported by mother-and-child hubs.
- Social Security: Essential food items like rice and wheat are provided free in Bengal, along with free health services.
- Economic Development: Banerjee claimed Kolkata has become a job destination with major industries like Tata Consultancy Services operating in Bengal.
Protest Aftermath
Following the event, SFI-UK issued a statement criticizing Banerjee’s governance as corrupt and undemocratic. They accused Kellogg College of hosting a leader who allegedly suppresses dissent. Despite this backlash, Banerjee remained defiant: “Didi is just like a Royal Bengal tigress. I will come twice every year.”
Banerjee concluded her speech with an assertion of resilience: “If you tell me to wash your clothes or cook for you, I will. But if you force me to bow my head, I will not. I only bow to the people.”
