I differ, says Mamata on India’s growth forecast

#Kolkata/London

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her official visit to the United Kingdom, disagreed with a prediction that India would become the world’s largest economy by 2060, drawing flak from the BJP, which accused her of tarnishing the nation’s image on foreign soil.

Banerjee made the remarks during a conversation at Kellogg College, Oxford University, late on Thursday.

The interviewer mentioned that India had already overtaken the UK to become the fifth-largest economy and was projected to become the third-largest soon, with predictions indicating that the south Asian nation would top the global economic rankings by 2060. In response, Banerjee said, “I will differ from that. There are so many things about which I should not speak here... internal and external affairs matters... I cannot disclose. I have some other opinions.” She went on to explain, “Because every country is facing trouble after Covid-19, and with the turmoil going on in the world... If an economic war-like situation is underway in the world, how do we expect that we will gain? Let us hope for the gain, we can only hope. 

However, midway through Banerjee’s speech, a section of the audience, tried to interrupt her address by questioning her on a range of issues, from the RG Kar hospital medic’s rape and murder to the flight of capital from the state, including the Tata Motors’ exit from Singur. PTI

Mamata part of ‘defame India group’, says BJP

​​​​​​​#New Delhi

The BJP on Friday took a swipe at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over protests during her speech at Kellogg College in the UK and accused her of being part of the “defame India group” with “teacher” Rahul Gandhi. Banerjee faced protests and disruptions during her speech with a section of the audience posing questions at her on various issues pertaining to West Bengal including the RG Kar Medical College student rape and murder case. PTI