West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced fierce protests at Oxford University’s Kellogg College during her speech on March 27, as members of the Bengali Hindu diaspora, student activists, and political opponents confronted her over crimes against women, post-poll violence, and allegations of Hindu persecution in West Bengal. The event, which was meant to focus on social development and women’s empowerment, turned into a heated battleground of accusations and slogans against the TMC leader.
Protest Erupts over RG Kar, Sandeshkhali crimes
The protest was spearheaded by members of the Bengali Hindu community in London, as well as the UK chapter of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). Protesters raised slogans demanding justice for the rape and murder of a lady doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and the sexual violence faced by women in Sandeshkhali. Posters condemning the “genocide of Hindus” and the “widespread corruption” under the Trinamool Congress regime were prominently displayed.
Bengali Hindus confront West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kellogg College in London, raising angry slogans calling her out for the rape and murder of the lady doctor at RG Kar, crimes against women in Sandeshkhali, the genocide of Hindus, and widespread corruption… pic.twitter.com/eT6JlOWYyZ
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 27, 2025
BJP leader Amit Malviya, sharing a video of the incident, remarked, “Bengali Hindus confront West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Kellogg College in London, raising angry slogans calling her out for the rape and murder of the lady doctor at RG Kar, crimes against women in Sandeshkhali, the genocide of Hindus, and widespread corruption.” He further branded Mamata Banerjee as a “disgrace to West Bengal” for allegedly failing to protect Hindu interests and women’s safety in the state.
Mamata dismisses protests, calls It “Union govt matter”
CM Mamata Banerjee appeared unfazed by the slogans and interruptions. When asked about the safety of Hindu women in West Bengal, she responded, “I am for all, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.” However, her response was met with chants of “Go back!” from sections of the audience.
Banerjee dismissed the accusations, claiming that issues like the RG Kar case were a “central government matter.” She further challenged the protestors, saying, “It’s very easy to do politics here and create negative narratives. If you have the courage, come to West Bengal and do politics.”
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK, known for its leftist stance, took responsibility for the protests, issuing a statement condemning Mamata Banerjee’s governance. “SFI-UK held a demonstration in Kellogg College, Oxford, against Mamata Banerjee’s speech. We opposed her blatant lies by asking her for evidence of the social development she claims to pioneer. Instead of allowing us to peacefully express our opinions, the police were called.” The organization accused the TMC government of corruption and undemocratic rule, vowing to continue raising its voice against injustices in Bengal.
BJP slams Mamata’s “Anti-India” remarks at Oxford
Adding fuel to the controversy, BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari criticised Mamata Banerjee for allegedly undermining India’s economic progress on foreign soil. During her discussion on ‘Social Development – Girl, Child and Women Empowerment in West Bengal’ at Kellogg College, a host stated that India is projected to become the world’s largest economy by 2060. Banerjee, however, disagreed, saying, “I will differ on that.”
Shame on Mamta Banerjee ji!
Question from interviewer in London: We in UK are 6 th largest economy, India is 5th largest, soon it will be 3rd largest. I predict it will be 1st largest by 2060.
Mamta Banerjee: I differ that
World acknoledges that under PM @narendramodi ji… pic.twitter.com/FsLeFDsSrC
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) March 28, 2025
Amit Malviya slammed her stance, stating, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world’s largest economy… This is truly shameful. She is a disgrace to the constitutional office she holds. Who behaves like this on foreign soil?”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world’s largest economy… This is truly shameful. She is a disgrace to the constitutional office she holds. Who behaves like this on foreign soil? pic.twitter.com/XupCVb4C2i
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) March 27, 2025
BJP’s Dilip Ghosh: “She must answer for RG Kar incident”
Following the protests, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh reiterated that Mamata Banerjee must answer for the crimes occurring under her rule. “We said earlier that when she goes to speak at a university in the UK, she will have to answer what happened in the RG Kar college. Women are not safe in Bengal. If someone is asking her, she needs to give an answer.” Ghosh accused Banerjee of attempting to whitewash atrocities in Bengal while portraying an image of social progress abroad.
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