West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to make history on Thursday as she participates in a discussion at Kellogg College, Oxford University. She will join a distinguished list of speakers, including King Charles III, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Ban Ki-moon, who have addressed audiences at the prestigious institution.
The discussion will focus on ‘Social Development – Girl, Child, and Women Empowerment.’ However, there is speculation that CM Banerjee may also face questions regarding the RG Kar rape and murder case during the event.
#WATCH | Speaking at the High Commission of India in London, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "Our relations are very deep because, before independence, Kolkata was the capital of India... Now, Kolkata is the cultural capital of India, an investment hub, a centre for women's… pic.twitter.com/gWZaDIkHCB
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2025
Unfazed by the possibility, Banerjee has expressed confidence in handling any queries. When asked by local Bangla media travelling with her about how she plans to address RG Kar-related questions, she responded boldly, “If they bowl, I’ll start batting and hit a six.”
She further stated while taking a stroll along the Thames River in London, “Do they think I haven’t come prepared? I have documents too. I know how to respond.”
This assertive and unfiltered stance is what audiences can expect when she takes the stage at Kellogg College. Excitement is already high for her conversation with College President Professor Jonathan Michie and Bynum Tudor Fellow Lord Karan Bilimoria. Registrations for the event had to be closed a day early after the venue reached full capacity.
Also read
- Who is Subhashree Ganguly, and why was she taking pictures with Messi in Kolkata?
- Messi magic came with a hefty price: A financial breakdown of failed 'G.O.A.T India Tour 2025' in Kolkata
- Who is to blame for Lionel Messi's Salt Lake Stadium event chaos? Political tug-of-war begins in Kolkata
- Who is Satadru Dutta? Lionel Messi's GOAT tour organiser arrested after Salt Lake Stadium chaos
During her stay in London, CM Banerjee has engaged in several key meetings. On Monday, she attended a meeting at the Indian High Commission, followed by an interactive discussion on Tuesday with UK business leaders, where she encouraged investment in West Bengal.
On Wednesday, official talks were held between British government representatives and the West Bengal administration, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Principal Secretary of the Industries, Commerce, and Enterprises Department, Vandana Yadav. The British side proposed collaborations in sectors such as medical equipment manufacturing and metal engineering.
However, the highlight of her visit remains her scheduled address at Kellogg College, Oxford University. She is expected to fly back to Kolkata on Friday.
