Mamata Banerjee to visit London for 4-day business talks, cites UK as key BGBS partner

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced her four-day visit to London from March 24 to 27 for business meetings and investment discussions. She stated that the United Kingdom is a key partner in the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) and emphasized Bengal’s global economic ties. “The UK is our partner in BGBS, which is why I am going to London,” Banerjee said. She confirmed receiving an invitation from another country but decided to cancel it. Before her departure, she will form a task force to manage administrative affairs in her absence.

She informed that Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, Firhad Hakim, and Sujit Bose would be stationed at Nabanna to oversee governance, while Subrata Bakshi and Abhishek Banerjee will handle party affairs. "My phone will always remain open," she assured. Banerjee also stated that the central government has cleared her visit and reiterated that she respects all religious communities, ensuring peaceful religious observances during her absence.

Addressing criticism, she said, “When other leaders go abroad, no one questions them, but some enemies are trying to defame my visit.” She alleged that misinformation was being spread against her through WhatsApp groups and emails. She also highlighted Bengal’s role as the gateway to Southeast Asia and remarked, “People of Bengal have made their mark from NASA to language.” She concluded by stating that she never supports violence and welcomes any protests against her during the visit.