Suvendu Adhikari Calls Mamata Banerjee a ‘Traitor’ Over UK Remarks

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday. He labeled her a “traitor” over her remarks during her recent visit to the United Kingdom.

“Mamata Banerjee is a traitor. I have written to S. Jaishankar, urging him to retrieve all footage and take strict action against her. Such a traitor must be held accountable,” Adhikari stated.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Adhikari demanded a ban on Banerjee’s future foreign visits. He accused her of deliberately tarnishing India’s reputation on an international platform.

Oxford Controversy Sparks Political Outrage

The controversy arose from Banerjee’s speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. During the event, a speaker highlighted India’s economic rise, noting that it had surpassed the UK as the world’s fifth-largest economy and was projected to become the largest by 2060. However, Banerjee disagreed, stating, “I will differ on that.”

Adhikari condemned her response, calling it “treasonous” and an “embarrassment for every Bengali and Indian.” He further accused her of admiring colonial rulers. Additionally, he urged the Ministry of External Affairs to investigate her statements. Since MEA approval is required for official foreign visits, he argued that her remarks should lead to disqualification.

Protests and Political Backlash

Banerjee’s visit to the UK was not without controversy. Protesters at Kellogg College questioned her stance on election violence in West Bengal and the RG Kar College case. The incident gained further traction after BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya shared a video of the protests on X.

“West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world’s largest economy… This is truly shameful,” Malviya posted.

So far, the Trinamool Congress has not responded to the allegations. However, as the political debate intensifies, further developments are expected.