In an unexpected move to break the ongoing deadlock between her government and protesting doctors, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the site where medical professionals have been staging a sit-in protest. The demonstration began following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month.
The doctors have been protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the West Bengal health department, since Tuesday, demanding justice and better safety measures. While the state government has attempted to initiate discussions, the negotiations have faced delays, with the latest disagreement centering around the doctors’ request for the live-streaming of the talks.
In a gesture that surprised many, Mamata Banerjee arrived at the protest site on Monday, despite concerns raised by her security team. She took a conciliatory tone, addressing the doctors amid their slogan-shouting.
Speaking in Bengali, she said, “Please listen to me for five minutes and then shout slogans; it is your democratic right to do so. I have been waiting for a long time. Against the advice of my security officers, I have come here to salute your protests.”
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The Chief Minister expressed her empathy for the protesting doctors, acknowledging their month-long struggle and the hardships they endured due to weather conditions. “I have also been part of student movements. I know my post is not a big deal; your voice is. It was raining all night, and you suffered. I couldn’t sleep either because I was feeling bad,” she added.
A Call for Resolution and Assurances
In her address, Mamata Banerjee appealed to the doctors to resume their duties, promising that their demands would be given careful consideration. “I will study the demands; I don’t run the government alone. I will speak to the chief secretary, home secretary, director general of police. Action will be taken against those who are found guilty. I want justice for Tilottama (the name given to the woman who was raped and murdered).”
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She further urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite the investigation into the tragic incident. “From your platform, I will request the CBI to speed up the investigation,” she said, requesting the doctors to engage in discussions with the government.
Next Steps Amid Ongoing Protests
The protest has garnered significant attention, with various leaders and officials speaking out. Mamata Banerjee assured the medical professionals that the government is open to addressing their concerns, asking them for patience and trust in the process. “If you trust me, come and talk to me, I will look into your demands,” she said, emphasizing that a resolution requires time and cooperative dialogue.
The visit marks a crucial step in the attempt to end the standoff, with the state government showing willingness to negotiate and meet the doctors’ demands. Whether this move will be enough to bring the doctors back to work and restore normalcy to healthcare services in West Bengal remains to be seen.
