WB government rejects doctors’ demand for talks with Mamata Banerjee

The WB government has rejected doctors’ demand for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as doctors continue their protest following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The doctors had requested a live telecast of the meeting and proposed a 30-member representative team to address the ongoing standoff, but the WB government rejected the doctors’ demand, further escalating tensions. The refusal has intensified the situation, leaving the doctors’ concerns unaddressed.

Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya stated on Wednesday that the government remains open to discussions with the doctors, though she hinted that “political forces” might be influencing the protests. The doctors quickly rejected these claims, insisting that their demands are legitimate and that they will continue protesting until the government agrees to meet with them under their conditions.

WB Government Denies Doctors’ Demands Amid Ongoing 33-Day Protest

The government cited a recent Supreme Court order that asked the protesting doctors to return to work by September 10, urging them to resume their duties. The state invited the doctors to a meeting at Nabanna, the state secretariat, with a smaller delegation of 12 to 15 members. However, it was unclear if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would be present at the talks.

Rejecting the doctors’ requests, Health Minister Bhattacharya said, “We were hopeful the doctors would join the meeting, but they did not. No meeting can be held with so many conditions. We waited with an open mind, but they took no steps to resolve the issue.” Bhattacharya urged the doctors to return to work to restore medical services, though she did not comment on possible actions against those who missed the Supreme Court deadline.

The government also flatly denied the doctors’ request for a live broadcast of the meeting, insisting that the Chief Minister’s participation was not required. In response, the doctors accused the government of being unhelpful and wondered whether it had something to conceal by refusing their demands.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has warned of counter-protests, citing the harm caused by the current strikes, saying, “People are dying as a result of these protests.” Chandan Mukhopadhyay, a Trinamool lawmaker, went even further, branding the protesting physicians “anti-national” for defying the Supreme Court decision.

The doctors’ protests, which are now in their 33rd day, are driven by demands for justice for the deceased trainee doctor, increased protection for female health professionals, and the suspension of several high-ranking officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The government’s handling of the protests has prompted requests for more participation, but the standoff persists.

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