Mamata’s Templated Replies at Kellogg College When Confronted About Hindus, Tata, and RG Kar

London: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced strong protests and tough questions from the audience during her visit to Oxford University’s Kellogg College.

While speaking on “Social Development - Girl Child, Women Empowerment,” Banerjee was confronted with heated questions regarding the lack of development in West Bengal, the plight of Hindus, and the handling of the horrific Abhaya case in RG Kar Hospital under her tenure.

Here are the Chief Minister’s replies to the heated questions.

Mamata's Response on ‘Why Did Tata Run Away’

As Banerjee spoke about development and industrialization in West Bengal, a question was raised about the Tata Group’s investment in the state.

An audience member asked, “Why did Tata run away from your state?” To this, Banerjee dismissed the claim, saying, “That’s wrong, Tata Cognizant …” but was quickly interrupted by someone accusing her of lying.

She then clarified, “I’m not lying, please. My brother, 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…”

‘Do Not Do Politics Here’: Mamata on RG Kar

When questioned about the horrific rape and murder of an RG Kar student, Banerjee stated that the matter was sub-judice and accused the students of being politically motivated.

“Please raise your voice, it’s a democracy. I’ll listen carefully. But you know the case is sub-judice, and now that the Central government has taken over, it’s not with us.”

She then challenged the protesting SFI members, saying, “Please don’t do politics here. This is not a political stage. You can do that with me in my state, not here. You know better than me about crowdfunding and all.”

‘Get the Strength to Fight Against Communal People’

As the interruptions intensified, Banerjee told the protesters—reportedly associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI-UK) to strengthen their political presence in Bengal if they wished to challenge her.

When she asked the audience to visit her state if they wanted to engage in politics, one person countered, “When we come and ask questions in Kolkata, your ministers threaten us, saying they will break our fingers.”

Visibly upset, Mamata responded, “This is absolutely wrong. You are lying, brother. Don’t do it… Don’t do it.”

She added, “I have a special affection for you. We love all of you. Don’t turn this into 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.”

‘Very Easy to Create a Negative Narrative

When questioned about the plight of Hindus in West Bengal, Banerjee responded, “I am for all. I am for Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians. I’m for everyone. I’m for unity. But you people are not. Don’t mention only one caste—mention all castes together.”

As the audience continued to shout, she remarked, “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 also accused some audience members of being “ultra-left”, 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 said, “My best wishes to all of you. Please have a good sleep, a beautiful sleep with your good agenda.”

Amidst the chaos, Mamata Banerjee even pulled up an old photograph from the 1990s, showing herself severely injured, and declared, “This is you. You wanted to kill me. I was about to die. Just have a look.” (She was referring to an attack on her during the Left rule.) “This is not a drama platform,” she asserted.

As the audience continued to challenge her, 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 further added, “Don’t disrespect your institution. You can disrespect me, but don’t disrespect your institution. I’m humble, but you cannot disrespect.”

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

‘Didi Will Fight Like a Royal Bengal Tiger’

Mamata Banerjee concluded her speech by boasting her resilience, likening herself to a Royal Bengal Tiger.

“Didi is not bothered. Didi will come twice every year and fight like a Royal Bengal Tiger,” she declared, dismissing the protests. 

“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 will only bow to the people", she said. 

Several groups have since criticized Mamata Banerjee’s conduct during the event.