West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated on Thursday that she is “ready to resign” for the sake of the people and expressed disappointment over the refusal of junior doctors to engage in talks regarding the R G Kar rape-murder case
Banerjee, who waited nearly two hours for the protesting doctors to arrive for discussions, emphasized that she, too, wants justice for the victim. She also apologized to the people of West Bengal for the ongoing deadlock, which has disrupted healthcare services in the state.
“We have tolerated a lot of misinformation and insults for the past 33 days,” Banerjee said at a press conference, assuring that despite the doctors defying a Supreme Court directive by not resuming duties, no action would be taken against them.
In a surprising turn, the junior doctors, who arrived at the state secretariat (Nabanna) after 5 pm, refused to hold talks unless their demand for live-streaming the meeting was met.
Banerjee explained that live-streaming couldn’t be allowed as the issue was before the Supreme Court, but she offered to record the meeting and provide them with the footage, pending court approval.
“For the people, I am willing to step down. I want justice for the victims, but this is not the way,” Banerjee remarked, adding that she had hoped the doctors would come forward for talks “on humanitarian grounds.”
She also hinted at outside influences, saying, “External forces are influencing some of the junior doctors.”
Addressing the social media backlash against her government, she added, “There are political elements trying to divert attention. They want the chair. I am willing to step down for the people. I don’t want the chair.”
Banerjee noted that approximately 27 patients have died, and around 7 lakh people have suffered due to the doctors’ ongoing strike, which began on August 9 following the discovery of a female trainee doctor’s body at R G Kar hospital.
Despite the ongoing disruption, she reiterated that she has not taken punitive measures against the striking doctors and expressed her willingness to engage in open discussions.
“I have forgiven them because, as an elder, it’s my responsibility to be patient. Discussions are the way to solutions,” she concluded.
(With inputs from agency)
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