West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an unexpected visit on Saturday morning to the protest site of junior doctors demonstrating outside the state Health Department office in Kolkata.
The doctors have been protesting the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College & Hospital.
Upon arrival, Banerjee promised to address their demands in a phased manner, urging them to return to duty.
As Banerjee, accompanied by Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, approached the venue, the crowd chanted ‘We want justice’.
The Chief Minister had to wait for the protests to subside before she could address the demonstrators.
In a brief five-minute speech, Banerjee called this her last attempt to engage in meaningful dialogue with the junior doctors.
Mamata stated, “Despite security issues, I have personally come here. I have come here not as the Chief Minister. I salute your protests. I am myself a product of the students’ movement. Last night, there was torrential rain. I feel sad about the manner you have been protesting for the last many days. Even I could not sleep.”
While expressing sympathy, Banerjee urged the doctors to return to their duties, assuring them that their demands would be considered.
“I do not govern alone. I need to discuss matters with the officials involved,” she said.
Banerjee also promised that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would push for capital punishment for those guilty of the crime, with a goal to ensure justice within the next three months.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a major overhaul of the patient welfare committees across all medical colleges.
“We will form new committees under the chairmanship of the Principal of those medical colleges. There will be senior and junior doctors in the new committees, besides government and police officials,” she asserted.
Banerjee also referenced the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on 17 September and reassured the protesters that no punitive action would be taken against them.
“Please give me some time,” she urged.
In response, the protesting doctors welcomed Banerjee’s gesture but stood firm on their demands.
“The Chief Minister has invited us for discussion. Even we are ready for the discussion with open minds,” said one of the junior doctors at the protest.
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