Mamata disagrees with prediction of India becoming world's largest economy by 2060, draws BJP's ire
Kolkata/London (PTI): 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. It is our dream to see my country our best. But it depends..."
BJP leaders criticised the Trinmool Congress supremo's remarks, accusing her of tarnishing India's reputation on foreign soil.
Union minister and BJP's state unit president Sukanta Majumdar expressed his disapproval, calling her response an "insult" to the office she holds.
"India has surpassed the UK to become the world's fifth-largest economy, a moment of pride for every Indian! Yet, Mamata Banerjee is tarnishing India's reputation on foreign soil.
"Her anti-India rhetoric is not only shameful for every Indian but also an insult to the constitutional office she holds. It is evident that you have failed as a chief minister, but do you even hesitate to call yourself an Indian? Are you truly an Indian? @MamataOfficial. Disrespecting the nation on foreign soil is equivalent to openly opposing India," Majumdar wrote on X.
The BJP's IT Cell head, Amit Malviya, also criticised Banerjee's stance, sharing a video clip of her comments on X.
"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has a problem with India becoming the world's largest economy. This is truly shameful. She is a disgrace to the constitutional office she holds. Who behaves like this on foreign soil?" Malviya wrote.
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Dalai Lama receives Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability
Dharamshala (PTI): Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama was awarded the prestigious Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Sustainability at a special ceremony held at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on Monday.
The award was presented by Gold Mercury International, a globally recognised think tank and international non-governmental organisation (INGO) dedicated to promoting peace, governance and sustainable development.
Nicolas De Santis, president and secretary general of Gold Mercury International, who presented the award to the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala said, "Dalai Lama is a leader whose wisdom, compassion and unwavering dedication to peace have inspired the world. As we celebrate His Holiness' 90th birthday, we reflect on your extraordinary legacy.
"For decades, he has championed non-violence, human dignity, interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship, always reminding us that true peace begins within. Your message of universal responsibility teaches us that we are all connected -- not just as nations but as one human family, sharing one fragile planet" he said.
Santis said Dalai Lama has defended the rights of the Tibetan people through non-violent means and is a global voice for sustainability, warning of the urgent need to protect the environment long before climate change became a worldwide concern.
The Gold Mercury International Award, originally established in Italy, has evolved into a globally recognised honour for individuals and organisations making significant contributions to world peace, good governance and international commerce. Over the years, the award has been presented in major cities such as Brussels, Moscow, Madrid and Washington, celebrating visionary leaders who shape the future with courage and integrity.
Gold Mercury International, now headquartered in London, continues its mission under the leadership of Santis, son of the organisation's founder, Eduardo De Santis.
The Dalai Lama joins a distinguished list of past laureates who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to global peace and sustainability, further cementing his enduring legacy as a guiding force for ethical leadership and universal harmony, a statement said.
