Thu Sep 12 16:59:39 UTC 2024: ## West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Offers to Resign Over Doctor’s Strike
**Kolkata:** In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has offered to resign, citing the ongoing impasse with junior doctors. The CM expressed her frustration over the failure of talks with the doctors, who are demanding better security measures after a colleague was assaulted.
“I am ready to resign for the welfare of the people of West Bengal,” a visibly emotional Banerjee stated, after a scheduled meeting with the doctors failed to materialize.
The stalemate has crippled healthcare services in the state, prompting Banerjee to appeal for understanding from the public. “I apologize to the people of Bengal for the inconvenience caused by this disruption. I have no anger towards the junior doctors and I forgive them,” she added.
The CM reiterated her stance that she has no intention of taking any action against the protesting doctors, despite the immense pressure on the healthcare system.
Banerjee had initiated three rounds of talks with the doctors, but these attempts proved unsuccessful. The latest meeting, scheduled for Thursday evening, was also called off after the doctors insisted on a live telecast of the proceedings, a demand that was rejected by the state’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant.
The CM waited for over an hour in the meeting hall for the doctors to arrive, but their absence prompted her to offer her resignation.
In a subsequent development, Pant announced that the government would video record the talks with the doctors, but this was also met with refusal from the protesting doctors.
The ongoing deadlock raises concerns about the future of healthcare in West Bengal, with the government and the doctors yet to reach a compromise.
First Piper 