Daccanomics
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in an emotional address, expressed her willingness to step down from her position “in the interest of the people” after junior doctors boycotted a scheduled meeting at the state secretariat. The meeting, intended to resolve a prolonged stand-off over the rape-murder of a young doctor at RG Kar Medical College, was derailed when the doctors demanded live transmission of the proceedings—a request the government refused due to the ongoing Supreme Court case.
Despite waiting for two hours, Banerjee reassured the doctors that no action would be taken against them and emphasized the government’s readiness for dialogue. She hinted at a political agenda behind the protests, stating that “common people do not know there is a political colour to it,” and criticized those aiming for her position. While apologizing to the people of Bengal for the unresolved issue, Banerjee urged doctors to return to work, citing the suffering of patients needing critical care.
The doctors, however, maintained their stance, blaming the administration’s refusal to allow live streaming for the failed meeting. They reiterated that transparency was essential, and without live transmission, they would not engage in talks. Banerjee, acknowledging their concerns, expressed frustration over the situation being manipulated by external forces, claiming that certain individuals were instructing the doctors to avoid negotiations.
The case, which has gained national attention, is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to allegations of corruption at the hospital and police involvement. With public health services severely impacted, Banerjee’s government continues to face pressure to find a resolution while navigating the political ramifications of the protests.
