West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to embark on a brief but significant visit to London starting March 22. During this trip, she will engage in multiple business and diplomatic events, culminating in a prestigious address at Oxford University. The visit is expected to bolster business ties and promote West Bengal’s development initiatives on an international platform.
According to state government sources, Mamata Banerjee’s itinerary begins with the Bengal Business Summit on March 22, where she will meet potential investors and stakeholders to attract business opportunities for the state. Following this, she will attend a special event at the Indian High Commission on March 24, further strengthening diplomatic relations. On March 25, the Chief Minister will participate in a high-profile government-to-government business meeting, fostering international collaborations. The highlight of her visit is scheduled for March 27, when she will deliver a speech at Oxford University. This invitation comes from Kellogg College, which has expressed keen interest in Banerjee’s 15-year tenure as Chief Minister and the various welfare initiatives implemented under her leadership.
Speaking about her visit, Mamata Banerjee confirmed that she has received official clearance from the Central Government. She emphasized the importance of such trips in fostering global business relationships and cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s encouragement for state leaders to engage in international business and diplomatic exchanges. Mamata Banerjee stated, “We have a well-structured itinerary that includes key business meetings, an Indian Embassy program, and an address at Oxford University. These interactions will help showcase Bengal’s growth and potential on a global stage.”
However, the visit is not without its challenges. Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns over reports of a potential misinformation campaign against her during the trip. She mentioned receiving indications of a planned attempt to malign her reputation through WhatsApp messages and emails. Addressing this, she said, “I am aware of efforts to spread baseless propaganda against me, but such attempts should not tarnish the image of Bengal.”
To ensure smooth governance in her absence, a dedicated task force has been established. Senior ministers, including Firhad Hakim, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Arup Biswas, and Sujit Basu, will oversee key matters. Administrative responsibilities will be managed by IAS officers Vivek Kumar and Prabhat Mishra, along with DG Rajeev Kumar and CP Kolkata Manoj Verma. Meanwhile, party affairs will be handled by Subrata Bakshi and Abhishek Banerjee.
As Mamata Banerjee prepares for her visit, the trip holds significance in terms of business expansion, diplomatic outreach, and academic recognition, reaffirming her position as a prominent leader on the global stage.
