Oxford University 'not aware' of Mamata's arrival! RTI report reveals where Bengal CM is slated to visit

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's upcoming visit to London has sparked controversy after an RTI response revealed that Oxford University is unaware of any official invitation extended to her. According to CPI(M) mouthpiece Ganashakti, Kolkata-based RTI activist Vishwanath Goswami had emailed the Vice Chancellor’s office seeking clarification. In response, Elizabeth Brotright, head of the Vice Chancellor’s office, stated, “Oxford University is not aware of any such event. We have no information about Mamata Banerjee's speech.”

Despite this, the website of Kellogg College, an Oxford-affiliated institution, lists Mamata Banerjee as a participant in a public discussion on March 27. The event, titled Social Development: Empowering Women and Children, will also feature Kellogg College President Jonathan Michie and Cobra Beer founder Karan Bilimoria. The announcement on the college’s website describes Banerjee as a poet and writer and calls her a cultural ambassador for her contributions to literature, art, and culture.

CPI(M) mouthpiece Ganashakti reported that Vishwanath Goswami has raised concerns over the portrayal of the event and has written to the secretaries of the Home, External Affairs, and Economic Affairs ministries, questioning the approval process for Banerjee’s visit. “More caution should have been exercised before approving this visit. Because the Chief Minister will be representing India on this visit,” he stated in his complaint. He also criticized Banerjee, referring to past controversies regarding her honorary degrees.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari commented on the matter, highlighting the distinction between Oxford University and its affiliated colleges. He argued that projecting a Kellogg College event as an Oxford University invitation is misleading. “If someone is attending an event at the City College, would you call it a City College event or a Calcutta University event? There are more than 150 colleges affiliated with Calcutta University,” he posted on social media.

The Trinamool Congress had previously stated that Banerjee would address students and researchers at Oxford University on March 27. However, with Oxford University’s denial, the focus has shifted to Kellogg College’s role in organizing the discussion. According to available information, Jonathan Michie, President of Kellogg College, had visited Kolkata in 2023 for the Bengal Global Business Summit, where he reportedly extended the invitation to Banerjee.

Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to depart for London on March 21 and return on March 29. Her itinerary includes a stop in Dubai en route. With the RTI response raising fresh questions, the controversy surrounding the visit continues.