Mamata Banerjee heckled by protesters during Oxford event, holds up 1990s photo of attack in response | WATCH

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced protests and interruptions during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College, as audience members disrupted her with questions and slogans.

VIDEO | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's speech at Kellogg College, Oxford University in #London was disrupted briefly after a group of protesters raised slogans over the issues of Bengal post-poll violence and RG Kar College case.

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available… pic.twitter.com/xtbJKoW2bk

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2025

In response to the heckling, Banerjee dramatically held up an old photo of herself from the early 1990s, showing her with a bandaged head. She claimed it as proof of an attempt to kill her when she was in the opposition.

“Tell your party to increase its strength in our state (West Bengal) so they can fight with us,” the Chief Minister told the protesters.

Protests were held during Mamata Banerjee's speech at Kellogg College, Oxford this evening, disrupting the event. pic.twitter.com/uovvF08Xo1

— Naomi Canton (@naomi2009) March 28, 2025

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The disruptions began when Banerjee spoke about Bengal’s development and investment opportunities. An audience member asked her to specify investment proposals worth “lakhs of crores” that she claimed the state had received. As she began to answer, others interrupted, arguing that the event was not a press conference.

She was then questioned about the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case in Kolkata, which had led to nationwide protests by doctors.

A member of the audience challenged her government’s handling of the case, prompting a sharp response from Banerjee.

“This matter is sub judice; the case is with the central government. Do not bring politics here—this platform is not for politics. You are lying. Do not turn this into a political stage,” Banerjee said.

She accused the questioners of having a political agenda, saying, “Go to Bengal and ask your party to grow stronger. I will answer you, but first, look at this picture—this is proof of an attempt to kill me.”

As the interruptions continued, someone questioned the treatment of Hindus in Bengal. Banerjee replied, “I am for all, Hindus and Muslims,” but moments later, some in the audience began chanting “Go back.”

The protest was led by members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI-UK), a left-wing student group, who accused Banerjee and her government of corruption and suppressing democratic rights.

Frustrated, Banerjee pushed back, saying, “You should let me speak. You are not insulting me; you are disrespecting your institution.” She accused some protesters of being “ultra-left and communal,” claiming similar disruptions occurred wherever she went.