Suvendu Adhikari Urges MEA to Restrict Mamata Banerjee’s Foreign Visits
Opposition Leader Writes to External Affairs Minister NEW DELHI: West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to prevent future official foreign visits by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In his letter, Adhikari accused Banerjee of undermining India’s image on the international stage during her recent visit to the United Kingdom.
Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee Adhikari claimed that Banerjee’s remarks in London reflected “devotion and admiration for colonial rulers.” He cited her speech at a business event, where she stated, “I love UK because we have an emotional relation, historical relation… 190 years, you ruled in India. You ruled Bengal… So we forget that? Always India remembers you, and Bengal also remembers you.”
He strongly condemned her statements, emphasizing that Bengal played a key role in India’s independence movement. According to Adhikari, glorifying the colonial past is a “public renunciation of the sacrifices made by our freedom movement revolutionaries.”
Criticism Over Economic Remarks The letter also targeted Banerjee’s comments at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. When a speaker noted that India had overtaken the UK as the world’s fifth-largest economy and could become the largest by 2060, Banerjee responded, “I will differ that.”
Adhikari called her response “simply treasonous” and “an embarrassment for every Bengali and Indian.” He alleged that she had deliberately tarnished India’s reputation and opposed the country’s economic rise.
Call for Government Action Adhikari urged the Ministry of External Affairs to conduct a “thorough probe” into Banerjee’s remarks. He referenced guidelines requiring MEA approval for such visits and suggested that her statements should be grounds for disqualification from official travel.
Protests and Political Reactions Banerjee’s UK visit sparked controversy, with protests at Kellogg College. Demonstrators questioned her stance on election violence in West Bengal and the RG Kar College case. BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a video of the protest, criticizing Banerjee’s views on India’s economic future.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also condemned Banerjee, stating, “Hiding the truth and insulting India, both are done by Mamata Banerjee. The world recognizes India’s growing economy, but when Mamata Banerjee and the ‘tukde-tukde gang’ go abroad, they insult India. This is unfortunate.”
Banerjee’s Response In response to the protests, Banerjee stated, “Please don’t do politics here on this stage. That you can do with me in my state, not here.” She also defended her government regarding the RG Kar College case, saying, “The case is sub-judice, also, it is with the Central government, not with us.”
