Unexpected visit by Mamata Banerjee to the doctors’ protest site in Kolkata: “Go back to work; I’m not going to interfere”

Unexpected visit by Mamata Banerjee to the doctors’ protest site in Kolkata: “Go back to work; I’m not going to interfere”

On Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a surprise visit to Swasthya Bhawan, where junior doctors have been protesting for days in the aftermath of the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor from RG Kar Medical College. In a conciliatory gesture, Banerjee spoke directly to the doctors, asking them to go back to work.

I know how much pain you have gone through,” Banerjee, who had herself been out with the doctors in rain on sleepless nights, tried to empathize. “I will go through your demands. If anyone is found guilty, action will be taken.

More concerned ‘Didi’ than chief minister, Banerjee assured the doctors that their demands would be taken seriously. “I have been in your shoes as a student leader myself,” she said. “I will ensure justice. The work of senior doctors is dependent on your assistance, and I urge you to resume your duties. I also guarantee that no punitive measures will be taken against you.”

The protesting doctors remained unmoved despite an appeal by Banerjee that they should return to work, claiming they would not yield on their demands till a formal discussion was held.

The five-day-long sit-in, in front of the state health department headquarters in Salt Lake, continued unabated. The doctors demanding justice for the murdered medic sought suspension of top officials, including Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Health Secretary NS Nigam, accusing them of failing to handle the RG Kar incident properly.

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Besides seeking action against the accused, the junior doctors are also demanding more safety and security for all female medical professionals in the state. The movement had escalated last week when their agitation reached up to the gates of state secretariat Nabanna, but refused to hold any discussion with the government unless their demand for live streaming the meeting with them was fulfilled.