West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that she is “ready to leave her position” if it means ensuring justice. However, she also hinted that the ongoing protests about the tragic rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College might have a hidden agenda to bring down her government.
Mamata Banerjee explained that her government is open to having discussions with the doctors who are protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
These doctors have been on strike for some time, even though the Supreme Court has directed them to return to work by the evening of September 10. Despite the court’s order, the doctors have continued their strike, demanding justice for the victim.
Banerjee’s statement shows that while she is concerned about the issue, she also feels there may be political motives behind the protests.
Doctors Demand for Live-Streamed Meeting with Chief Minister
The efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute between junior doctors and the West Bengal government hit a standstill on Thursday. The doctors refused to negotiate with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unless their request for a live-streamed meeting was granted.
The doctors, protesting the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague from RG Kar Medical College, arrived at the meeting location around 5:25 pm. They spent over an hour outside the venue in a standoff with government officials.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had agreed to meet with the doctors to help end their strike and waited inside for more than an hour. Although the state government assured that the meeting would be recorded for transparency, the doctors insisted on a live broadcast.
State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated earlier that live streaming was not possible but promised a full video recording of the meeting. “The Chief Minister has been waiting for over an hour and a half. We have explained that live streaming is not feasible but are prepared to document the entire meeting. There should be limits to such demands,” Pant told reporters, urging the doctors to reconsider their position.
Banerjee also offered an apology to the people of Bengal for the continued crisis. “I apologise to the people of Bengal who expected an end to the RG Kar impasse today…I am ready to resign from my post for the sake of people. I don’t want the chair, I want justice (for the deceased) and treatment for the people (patients),” the chief minister added.
Also Read: Former RG Kar Hospital Principal Sandip Ghosh Arrested by CBI
Mamata Banerjee Offers to Resign
The meeting aimed to address doctors’ concerns about the handling of a case involving the death of a fellow doctor. The body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor, found with severe injuries on August 9, triggered widespread outrage and led to a state-wide protest that severely impacted healthcare services at government hospitals.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, though frustrated, showed a conciliatory attitude and expressed her willingness to forgive the protesting doctors despite the ongoing stalemate.
“I made three attempts to negotiate with the junior doctors to resolve the RG Kar issue. I want to make it clear that I will not take any action against them for their delay. As elders, it is our duty to forgive,” Banerjee stated.
She also apologized to the people of Bengal for the ongoing crisis, saying, “I am sorry for not resolving the RG Kar situation today. I am willing to resign from my position for the sake of the people. My priority is justice for the deceased and proper treatment for our patients.”
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Sends 2nd Letter to PM Urging Action on Rape-Murder Case
FAQs
Q.1. What did Mamata Banerjee say about resigning?
Ans. Mamata Banerjee stated she is “ready to leave her position” if it ensures justice for the victim and resolves the ongoing crisis.
Q.2. Why are the doctors protesting?
Ans. The doctors are protesting the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Q.3. What did the Supreme Court direct regarding the strike?
Ans. The Supreme Court directed the protesting doctors to return to work by the evening of September 10, but the strike has continued.
Q.4. What was the doctors’ demand during the meeting?
Ans. The doctors demanded that the meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee be live-streamed, which the state government could not accommodate.
Q.5. How did Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee address the crisis?
Ans. Banerjee apologized to the people of Bengal, expressed willingness to forgive the doctors, and offered to resign to prioritize justice and healthcare.
