Amid Controversy, eventful start for Mamata Banerjee’s trip to London

London, United Kingdom: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee landed at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning after an eight-hour flight from Dubai. Before her arrival, Emirates flight attendants presented her with a cake that had “Bon Voyage” written on it. While she accepted the sweet gesture, she chose not to cut the cake herself, instead offering it to her fellow passengers, which was met with applause.

During the long-haul flight, Mamata Banerjee remained awake, ensuring the well-being of her travel companions. Upon landing, she proceeded directly to St. James’ Court Hotel, as her official engagements were scheduled to begin on Monday.

Excited Passengers Miss Photo Opportunity

Among the co-passengers on the Dubai-London flight was a young Bengali professional from Kolkata, currently employed at Tata Consultancy Services in UK. Traveling with his wife and daughter, he was eager to get a photo with the Chief Minister. Having previously managed to snap pictures with Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in a shopping mall in the UK, he was hopeful for another prized moment. However, upon landing, Mamata swiftly exited the airport, leaving him without the opportunity. Not one to return empty-handed, he then approached Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, who was accompanying Mamata on the trip.

Opposition Criticism and Mamata’s Response

Mamata Banerjee’s visit to London did not go unnoticed by her political opponents. The BJP and the Congress questioned the necessity of her overseas trip, especially at a time when Bengal is facing multiple governance issues. BJP leaders accused her of using public funds for a “luxury foreign tour” under the pretext of official engagements.

Trinamool Congress, however, defended the visit, stating that it was aimed at strengthening Bengal’s ties with international business leaders and educational institutions. Mamata herself responded sharply to the criticism, stating, “I do not need a certificate from the opposition. My trip is for the welfare of Bengal. If they are so concerned, they should focus on the issues in their own states.”

Banerjee is set to attend a programme and deliver speech at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, scheduled for March 27. Moreover, she will meet with business leaders on March 25 to promote investment in the state. She is expected to return on either March 28 or 29. This will be her second journey to London, following a business meeting in Edinburgh in November 2017. The central government granted permission for her visit last week.

With her packed four-day schedule beginning on Monday, Mamata Banerjee is set to engage in back-to-back meetings. The political ripples of her London visit, however, are likely to continue back home in Bengal