Thu Sep 12 17:57:50 UTC 2024: ## Mamata Banerjee Offers to Resign Amidst Doctor Strike, Accuses Left of Political Motivation
**Kolkata:** West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday declared her willingness to step down from her position to ensure justice for the people, but also alleged that the ongoing protests by doctors against the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College are politically motivated and aimed at toppling her government.
The Chief Minister, in a statement, expressed her government’s commitment to engaging in dialogue with the striking doctors. However, she hinted at a deliberate attempt to obstruct the talks, claiming a few doctors were aiming for a stalemate.
Banerjee, without providing specific evidence, alleged that the Left party is behind the protests, accusing them of prioritizing power over justice. “I am even ready to quit for the sake of justice for the common people,” she stated, adding, “But they don’t want justice. They just want the chair.”
The standoff between the protesting doctors and the Trinamool Congress government has continued for three days, with no dialogue taking place.
Despite waiting for two hours at the state secretariat to meet the protesting doctors, Banerjee claims no response was received. The doctors, who arrived at the secretariat, refused to meet the Chief Minister unless the meeting was live-streamed.
While Banerjee expressed openness to the live telecast demand, she cited legal constraints due to the ongoing court proceedings. She asserted her government’s transparency by offering to record the meeting and share it with the Supreme Court’s permission.
Banerjee highlighted the tragic consequences of the strike, stating that 27 patients have died in government hospitals due to the lack of medical services over the past month. She poignantly emphasized the plight of a deceased patient at RG Kar hospital, questioning the plight of his family.
The situation remains tense, with the government and the protesting doctors seemingly at an impasse. The Chief Minister’s accusation of political motives behind the strike, coupled with her offer to resign, has further escalated the conflict.
First Piper 