CM Mamata picks Ministers to oversee Bengal from Nabanna; Abhishek & Subrata to lead TMC during London trip

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced leadership arrangements ahead of her official visit to London for the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). She confirmed that ministers Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shashi Panja, Aroop Biswas, Firhad Hakim (Bobby), and Sujit Bose will manage administrative functions at Nabanna in her absence. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Subrata Bakshi and Abhishek Banerjee will oversee party responsibilities. “My phone will always remain open,” Banerjee stated, adding that a task force will also be formed before her departure.

Banerjee's visit to London includes scheduled business meetings from March 24 to 27, where she will engage with international representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Bengal. She highlighted that the UK is a key partner in BGBS and that she had also received an invitation from another country but decided to cancel it. She reiterated that foreign trips by other political leaders do not face similar scrutiny, while her visits are often criticized. “Some WhatsApp groups and emails are being used to spread misinformation. Do not defame Bengal,” she said.

Banerjee also mentioned that she had been invited to Japan multiple times and plans to visit in the future. She stated that she respects all religions and assured that all religious ceremonies in the state would be conducted peacefully. She further mentioned that she had received a D.Litt. degree but had never used the title “Doctor” before her name. On elections, she remarked that they take place under central police supervision. “The Prime Minister himself said foreign visits are necessary for investment, and I am honoring that statement,” she said, confirming that her London visit has received central government clearance.