Mamata Banerjee's Praises For Cruel British Raj Gets Massive Backlash, Angry Netizens Call Her 'Imperial Apologist'

Kolkata: Sharp criticism hit West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after one of her remarks made during a business outreach event in London sparked controversy. Mamata, who is on an official visit to the United Kingdom, made shocking praises for the Britishers and their 200-year rule over India. 

While inviting British businesses to invest in West Bengal, Mamata recalled United Kingdom's centuries-old relationship with India and especially, West Bengal. She not only highlighted the colonial legacy but also described Kolkata’s architectural heritage as a ‘splendid’ reminder of British India.

“Good afternoon to all my brothers and sisters. I love UK because we have an emotional relation, historical relation, and from the heritage point of view of both ours and yours also. 190 years you ruled in India and when you ruled before independence, Calcutta was the capital of India. So you built up so many buildings, the heritage buildings and so many things. Everyday we used to remember that,” the West Bengal CM said.

Mamata Banerjee sparks controversy: WATCH Here

West Bengal CM Banerjee was speaking at an interactive session on ‘Opportunities in West Bengal’ in London. There she invited businesses to invest in automation, engineering and artificial intelligence and called for deeper economic ties. 

"Let us create win-win outcomes together," she said while emphasising West Bengal’s ‘business-friendly’ approach.

"We offer a business-friendly government... some of our key policies include industrial and economic corridor, logistics, export promotion, new energy manufacturing, data centre, cable landing, etc," Mamata said.

However, what caused backlash was her attempt to glorify colonial British rule that in reality led to the collapse of India's institutions and economy. 

Netizens Slams ‘Colonial Slavery’ Mindset

Banerjee spoke about how Kolkata, the capital of British India until 1911, still reflects the grandeur of that era. Her over-nostalgic voice that seemed to have downplayed the cruel, corrupt and oppressive British Raj got a huge counterblast from the netizens. While some blamed her mindset and her attempt to disregard our freedom fighters, many others criticised her ‘colonial hangover’ and ‘shameless display of mental slavery!’ 

“Why are you setting a wrong narrative? They ruled for 190 years, when Calcutta was the capital of India and they built many heritage buildings which are still there. Your party insult the freedom fighters of India and gave title of ‘veer’ to a pensioner from the British,” X user Angshuman Dasgupta wrote.