Mamata Banerjee Disputes India’s 2060 Growth Forecast at Oxford; BJP Slams It as ‘Insult’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent remarks at Oxford, where she disagreed with a prediction that India would become the world's largest economy by 2060, have sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

During a discussion at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, on social development, including girl child and women empowerment in West Bengal, Banerjee was seen in a video clip expressing skepticism about the forecast. The moderator stated that India has already overtaken the UK and is now the sixth-largest economy, while India itself is the fifth-largest. He added that soon, India would become the third-largest economy, and by 2060, it was predicted to be the world's largest. In response, Banerjee said, "I will differ that."

Explaining her stance, she added that there were many things she should not speak about in that setting, including internal and external matters. She stated that every country is facing challenges after COVID and in the current global turmoil, questioning how India could expect to gain in an economic war-like situation. She said that while it was a dream for India to do its best, it ultimately depended on several factors.

The BJP reacted strongly, accusing Banerjee of undermining India's progress. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, sharing the video on social media, alleged that she had a problem with India becoming the world's largest economy. Calling her remarks shameful, he questioned who would behave in such a manner on foreign soil.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala compared Banerjee's remarks to previous statements by Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Opposition's INDIA bloc of hating India's achievements. He said it was unbelievable that an Indian chief minister, while abroad, would object to India's rise as the world's largest economy. He described it as part of the so-called Bharat Badnami Brigade, which he claimed undermines the nation's progress, similar to Rahul Gandhi.

Union Minister and BJP Bengal Chief Sukanta Majumdar also criticized Banerjee, calling her comments an insult to her position. He accused her of tarnishing India's reputation on foreign soil and claimed that her statements were shameful for both Bengalis and Indians. He further questioned whether she hesitated to call herself an Indian.

Banerjee's comments have ignited a political storm, with the BJP accusing her of downplaying India's economic potential on an international platform.