Mamata Banerjee's Oxford Seminar Speech Erupts into Chaos & Fumes: CM Confronted Live on Tata, Hindus and RG Kar

London: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 's participation in a discussion session at Kellogg College, Oxford University, descended into chaos after the audience confronted her on topics such as the Tatas, development, Hindus, and the RG Kar rape & murder case. The Chief Minister, on a week-long UK visit, was delivering a seminar speech on “Social Development - Girl Child, Women Empowerment” at Kellogg College on March 27 when a section of audience interrupted her mid-speech with pointed questions.

Approximately 33 minutes into her speech, as Mamata Banerjee discussed investment proposals in Bengal and cited some figures, an audience member interjected, expressing that he was interested in specific names rather than large numbers.

“So many industries are coming… till now more than 23 lakh million investment proposals are already here… not just for this time… earlier, up to last year… it was 19 lakh crore worth of investment proposals… out of that, Rs 14 lakh crore is already implemented, and the remaining Rs 5 lakh crore is under progress. This year, we have received Rs 4.48 lakh crore proposals,” Mamata Banerjee said.

When she mentioned these figures, a member of the audience interrupted, saying, “Excuse me, madam… I am interested in a few names, not lakhs and lakhs”.

Responding to the question, Mamata Banerjee said, “There are so many, don’t worry. If you ask… it may be IBM, Tata, it may be Infotech, Wipro , it may be economic corridors…”

Another voice from the audience then questioned her, asking, “Why did Tata run away from your state?” To this Mamata responded saying, “That’s wrong, Tata Cognizant …” but she was interrupted again by someone who accused her of lying.

She then replied, “I’m not lying, please. My brother, please listen carefully. I’ll be very happy if you ask me that question. Please see, Cognizant and Tata have set up their industry in Kharagpur. They have set up their IT industry… everybody, everyone. If you ask me, nobody is left out… The only sector left out is that we want a direct flight from Kolkata to London…”

As she mentioned about the Kolkata-London direct flight, a section of the audience clapped, to which she responded, “Thank you so much. I’ll give sweets to you. I’m so happy that you welcome me. Thank you so much.”

Mamata fumes when confronted on RG Kar at Oxford 

As questions on Tatas and development in West Bengal had hardly ended, Mamata Banerjee was confronted about the Abhaya and RG Kar case rape and murder case.

Conveniently labelling the audience as liars when they questioned her on RG Kar, Mamata Banerjee said, “I can’t hear. Speak more loudly, please. I don’t mind. Please raise your voice, it’s a democracy. Please raise your voice. I’ll listen carefully. You know the case is sub-judice, and now that the Central government has taken over, it’s not with us."

She urged alleged that the audience was trying to politicise the platform and said, “Please, please don’t do politics here. It’s not a political stage. You can do that with me in my state, not here. You know better than me about the crowdfunding and all.”

Audience say Mamata's ministers were threatening them for asking questions  

After Mamata asked audience to visit her state if they wanted to engage in politics, another voice from the crowd cornered her saying, “When we come and ask questions in Kolkata, your ministers threaten us saying they will break our fingers.”

Visibly upset, Mamata Banerjee accused the audience for lying and said, “This is absolutely wrong. You are lying, brother. Don’t do it, brother… Don’t do it.”

She added, “I have a special affection for you. We love all of you. Don’t try to make this a political platform. If you want to, go to Bengal and tell your party to be stronger. Get the strength to fight against communal people. Don’t fight with me.”

At one point, Mamata Banerjee asked someone to show a photo, saying, “Just show me one photo… Yes, I will reply. Wait a minute.” She then waved a photo towards the audience, saying, “This is you. You want to kill me. I was about to die. Just have a look (Mamata said showing a picture of her being attacked during the Left rule). This is not a drama platform.”

As the audience continued questioning her, Mamata Banerjee lost her temper and said, “This is a platform where you have to allow people to listen. Don’t behave like this. It’s misbehaving. Instead of insulting me, you are insulting your own institution.”

She added, “Don’t disrespect your institution. You can disrespect me, but don’t disrespect your institution. I’m humble, you cannot disrespect.”

Frustrated by the ongoing interruptions, Mamata Banerjee remarked, “Everywhere, this is a habit. They cannot change their habit. This is their habit, everywhere I go.”

What have you done for Hindus? Audience question Mamata at Oxford 

When asked what she had done for Hindus, Mamata Banerjee replied, “I am for all. I am for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians. I’m for all. I’m for unity. You people are not. Don’t mention only one caste, mention all castes together.”

As the audience continued shouting, Mamata Banerjee said, “The same things can be repeated when your leaders visit. Please remember this. It’s not proper. You are my brothers and sisters. Don’t do politics. It’s very easy to do politics here and create negative narratives.”

She addressed her critics, saying, “Please, my ultra-left friends, some left friends, and some communal forces, don’t behave like this. It won’t be proper. But I loved that you fulfilled your agenda. I loved that.”

She concluded, “My best wishes to all of you. Please have a good sleep, a beautiful sleep with your good agenda.”

Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude to the industrial leaders and academicians she met during her visit, saying, “I’m so honored and privileged to have discussed so many subjects with them. I’m happy and inspired by their affection.”

She added, “I think, after this program, I will try to visit this university twice a year to address the people. You give me strength, inspiration, and encouragement. Please smile with hope that Didi will come every time. Didi doesn’t bother anybody.”

Ending on a defiant note, Mamata Banerjee said, “Didi is just like a Royal Bengal Tiger. If you can, catch me. But don’t fight me if you can’t catch me. Behave properly.”

During the 10 minute-altercation with the attendees who had come to listen her at the Kellogg College, Mamata used the term “don't lie” several times. She accused the audience of lying to almost every single thing they pointed out questioning her governance in West Bengal.

Watch the full confrontation between Mamata Banerjee and audience at Oxford