Mamata Banerjee hits back at BJP for "scandalous game" over London visit criticism

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of running a misinformation campaign against her upcoming London visit. She claimed that BJP-backed groups were spreading false narratives through WhatsApp and emails to malign her trip. "Some WhatsApp groups are spreading misinformation about me, even through emails. Do not defame Bengal," she said. Banerjee also alleged that the BJP was playing a "scandalous game" to target her, while other national leaders travel abroad without facing similar criticism.

Defending her visit, Banerjee stated that she was traveling as part of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), where the UK is a key partner. She emphasized that her trip aimed to secure investment and strengthen business ties. "In the NITI Aayog meeting, the PM himself said that traveling abroad is necessary to attract investment. I am honoring his statement by going," she said. She also mentioned that Japan had invited her multiple times and she planned to visit in the future. According to Banerjee, attempts to discredit her visit were part of a larger effort to damage Bengal’s reputation.

Banerjee assured that governance would continue smoothly in her absence, stating that a task force of ministers, including Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, Firhad Hakim, and Sujit Bose, would manage state affairs. She added that Trinamool Congress leaders Subrata Bakshi and Abhishek Banerjee would oversee party activities. "My phone will always remain open," she said. She further clarified that the central government had approved her trip and welcomed any protests abroad, stating, "I am representing Bengal and the country internationally."