Mamata refuses to speak at event after crowd chants 'Jai Shri Ram' in PM's presence

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday refused to address a programme being held to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas  Chandra Bose, citing “humiliation”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor Jagdeep Dhankar were also present at the event in Kolkata’s famous Victoria Memorial.

Banerjee refused to speak at the event after a section from the audience shouted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ when Banerjee was about to deliver her speech. She, however, didn’t walk out of the venue.

#WATCH | I think Govt's program should have dignity. This is not a political program....It doesn't suit you to insult someone after inviting them. As a protest, I won't speak anything: WB CM Mamata Banerjee after 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans were raised when she was invited to speak pic.twitter.com/pBvVrlrrbb

— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2021

“This is a government programme and there must be some decorum and discipline here. It should have some dignity,” she said. 

“It is not a political programme. You cannot invite people here and insult them. I am invited and humiliated. In protest, I am not saying anything (referring to her speech),” she said and went back to her seat.

Banerjee held various state government’s programmes related to Netaji’s birthday celebrations Saturday before reaching the Victoria Memorial to attend the central government’s programme.