NEW DELHI: A huge uproar erupted in the packed auditorium of Kellogg College at Oxford University as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee delivered her maiden speech.
She was speaking on ‘Empowerment of Women in Bengal and its Success’, following an invitation from the institution.
The chief minister was interrupted suddenly by a group of protesting students, who tried to disrupt her speech by raising the issue of post-poll violence and the RG Kar College rape-murder case.
“Please speak clearly. You have the right to speak, this is a democracy,” she responded.
“Love you, brother. If you want to do politics, go tell your party in my state. I will send chocolate to you and your ideology,” Mamata was heard telling the protesters.
She also pulled out a black-and-white photograph from August 16, 1990, showing her injuries and bandages following a violent attack by CPM supporters at Kolkata’s Hazra crossing.
On RG Kar, the CM made it clear that the case was “sub judice” and the Centre (CBI) was now tasked with the probe.
“This matter is not related to politics. This case is with the central government and is sub judice. Do not do politics here,” she told the protesters.
Another person asked the West Bengal chief minister whether she was “anti-Hindu.”
She replied, “I work for everyone. I have been elected as an MP seven times and do not take a single rupee as pension from the government.” She further stated, “Ultra-left and communal forces are making such allegations.”
“Now, I will come twice each year to Oxford. You gave me strength and inspiration,” she added.
In her address, Mamata claimed that her governance model does not allow discrimination and that she prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society. She also stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive.
“If I die, before my death, I want to see unity. Unity is our strength, and division leads to our fall. This was Swami Vivekananda’s belief. Keeping unity is a difficult task, but dividing people takes only a moment. Do you think the world can sustain such a divisive ideology?” she asked.
“When I am in the chair, I cannot divide society. I have to look after the weaker sections and the poor. We have to work hard for them. At the same time, we must work for all religions, castes, and creeds together, move forward with them, and help them,” she said.