Irked by Jai Shri Ram slogans raised by a section of the audience, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday walked off the podium refusing to deliver a speech at an event — attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The Central Government programme was organised at the iconic Victoria Memorial. Alleged saffron supporters raised the slogans moments before Mamata was to deliver her speech.
Walking up to the podium, the Chief Minister said, “I am grateful to the Central Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organising this programme in Kolkata and calling me to be part of the celebrations… but it must be remembered that this is not a political but a Government programme and its dignity must be preserved…
“I must also remind that no one has the right to insult someone after inviting that person… so on protest, I desist from delivering a speech.”
Then she walked off in a huff leaving back a befuddled silence.