Doctors protesting the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata are now split into two factions, each accusing the other of deviating from the movement’s original purpose.
A new organization, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Association, recently formed from a faction of suspended doctors, has publicly criticized the established West Bengal Junior Doctors Front for allegedly politicizing the fight for justice and shifting focus from security reforms.
The split follows a series of suspensions and protests. Suspended doctors, whose suspensions were temporarily lifted by the Kolkata High Court in October, say they aim to refocus on securing justice for their late colleague without political entanglement.
“The movement that began for justice has shifted focus on toppling the health department and has been politicized,” The Print quoted Sourav Das, a leader of the new association, as saying.
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The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, however, maintains that the new faction has ties to a problematic “threat culture” at the hospital. Aniket Mahato, a leader of the Front, argues that the splitters were part of the issue they are protesting against, calling their agenda divisive.
Ties to Former Hospital Officials and Political Interests
Some RG Kar junior doctors allege that the new association has close connections with former hospital principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh, currently under investigation by the CBI. Members of the new faction are believed to have associations with the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, adding complexity to the ongoing dispute. Another doctor pointed to the timing of the new association’s formation, suggesting that it may be tied to upcoming student-body elections, which could give the group potential leverage on campus.
Plans for a Mass Convention
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Association plans to organize a mass convention this month, where they will chart their strategy for seeking justice and demanding better safety measures for doctors. Meanwhile, the original Junior Doctors Front has vowed to continue its rallies, pushing for systemic reforms and accountability among senior health officials.
As the protests continue, many hope the movement can regain its unified focus on justice and workplace safety amid the recent fracture.
