Mamata Banerjee concludes 6-day UK visit, to reach Kolkata tonight at 7:30PM

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to return to Kolkata this evening after completing her six-day visit to the United Kingdom. She boarded an Emirates flight from London early on Saturday and is scheduled to reach Dubai by 11:30 AM IST before landing in Kolkata at 7:30 PM. During her visit, she emphasized two key objectives: setting up an Oxford University campus in Kolkata and resuming direct British Airways flights between Kolkata and London twice a week.

Banerjee's UK visit began last Sunday, during which she attended multiple high-profile events. On Monday, she participated in a program hosted by the Indian High Commission, followed by a business summit on Tuesday where she advocated for improved trade relations and direct air connectivity. She used these platforms to pitch Bengal as an investment destination and emphasized the need for better academic and infrastructural ties with the UK.

During her stay, the Chief Minister also addressed an event at Kellogg College, Oxford, on Thursday. In her speech, she spoke about Bengal’s historical significance, economic potential, and the role of education in shaping a progressive future. High-ranking state officials accompanying her engaged with British business leaders to explore possible investment opportunities in Bengal.

While she had no official engagements on Wednesday, top bureaucrats from the state government held meetings with representatives from the UK’s business community. These discussions aimed at fostering collaborations in sectors like education, infrastructure, and trade. The visit was seen as part of Banerjee’s larger vision to position Bengal as a global hub for investment and cultural exchange.

Before leaving London, Mamata Banerjee took to social media, posting an emotional message about resilience and progress. She wrote, "The sound of progress in the world's courtyard, the sound of renaissance, the light of development will not be covered by clouds, Matangini's Bengali will not be lost." She also reflected on her personal struggles, recalling how she lost her father at a young age and has since remained committed to a life of struggle and service.

As she returns, political observers are keen to see how her UK visit translates into concrete developments for Bengal. The focus will now be on whether her efforts lead to the establishment of an Oxford campus and the resumption of direct flights, both of which could significantly impact the state’s educational and business landscapes.