Mamata Banerjee Questions India's 'Largest Economy' Claim, Sparks BJP Rebuttal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been in the middle of a political firestorm after the BJP sharply attacked her recent statements regarding India's economic outlook.

During her trip to the UK, Banerjee was questioned about India's chances of becoming the world's biggest economy by 2060. Downplaying the projection, her comment has prompted stinging responses from the BJP.

The interviewee had already set the agenda for the question by saying, "We of the UK are the 6th largest economy, India the 5th largest, and it will shortly be the 3rd largest. I bet it will be 1st largest by the year 2060."

Rebutting Banerjee answered, "I differ that."

Her argument was rebutted by BJP leaders, with the National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari blaming her for ignoring the economic growth of India.

Going live on X, he vented his anger, saying, "Shame on Mamata Banerjee ji!"

He went on to write, "The world recognises that under PM Narendra Modi ji, India is seeing economic growth! However, the leadership of the INDI alliance does not want to talk good about the nation, even outside the country."

BJP senior leader Amit Malviya too lashed out at her comment, terming it shameful.

"Mamata Banerjee appears to have a problem with India becoming the world's biggest economy. Shameful. She is a discredit to the constitutional office she holds. Who conducts herself like this while on an official visit abroad?" he wrote on social media.

Protest at Oxford University
Meanwhile, at the time of delivering her lecture at Kellogg College, Oxford University, Banerjee also faced a surprise protest. A bunch of protesters interrupted her lecture, protesting against post-poll violence in West Bengal and the recent RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape case.

Their protest took everyone by surprise for a few moments, but Banerjee kept calm and dealt with the protesters with equanimity.

In spite of the disruption, she was able to finish her speech, responding to the protesters in a calm manner: "Tell your party to consolidate its position in our state (West Bengal) so they can take us on politically."