CPI(M)’s student wing SFI takes responsibility for protests during Mamata’s speech at Oxford
In response, the TMC sharply criticised the SFI and the CPI(M), with party leader Kunal Ghosh saying the protestors ‘ultimately had to escape following the composed handling of the situation by her’
The students’ wing of the CPI(M), Student Federation of India (SFI), took responsibility for the protest during West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College in England. The TMC sharply criticised the SFI.
A statement by the SFI stated, “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… In support of the students and working masses of West Bengal, SFI-UK raised its voice in opposition to Mamata Banerjee and the TMC’s corrupt, undemocratic rule.”
SFI West Bengal Secretary Debanjan Dey said, “Whenever the Chief Minister lies… on RG Kar, Jadavpur (University), students union elections and many other issues… we will protest against her.”
In response to the protests, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh who accompanied Banerjee on her trip to London said, “Those who thought that they would disturb the Chief Minister ultimately had to escape following the composed handling of the situation by her… Those who resorted to such nuisance were jealous of the progress in West Bengal under the leadership of the Chief Minister. Those who resorted to such nuisance are unsatisfied souls.”
Youth Trinamool Congress leader and in-charge of the party’s IT cell in West Bengal Debangshu Bhattacharya accused those who resorted to the protests during the Chief Minister’s speech of being part of an “anti-Indian, anti-Bengal and anti-humanity” organisation. “However, I congratulate the Chief Minister for the patient and composed manner in which she handled the entire situation. I could not have maintained my cool had I been in her situation. The fitting reply that the Chief Minister gave to them was a slap on the faces of their leaders in West Bengal who planned the entire nuisance from here,” Bhattacharya said.
BJP leaders attack Banerjee for comment on India’s economy
On the other hand, BJP leaders attacked CM Mamata Banerjee for her statement during an interview with a college representative. When she was asked if she thinks India would become the largest economy in the world by 2060, she said, “I will differ.”
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BJP state president Sukanta Majumder said on X, “India has surpassed the UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy—a moment of pride for every Indian! Yet, Mamata Banerjee is tarnishing India’s reputation on foreign soil. Her anti-India rhetoric is not only shameful for every Bengali and Indian but also an insult to the constitutional office she holds. It is evident that you have failed as a Chief Minister, but do you even hesitate to call yourself an Indian? Are you truly an Indian?… Disrespecting the nation on foreign soil is equivalent to openly opposing India.”
Party youth leader Indranil Khan also posted on X, “Any patriotic Indian feels proud to hear of her country’s progress on foreign land. It’s natural… but.. Something is seriously wrong with our Chief Minister! Just see how terribly she reacts when she is told of India’s growing financial prowess! Why, for India’s sake, couldn’t she keep politics home for a while and accept her own country’s progress even as the Western world is admitting that?”
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
