In a significant development, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during a press conference at Nabanna, expressed her willingness to step down amidst the ongoing protests by junior doctors. However, she claimed that certain individuals were not seeking justice but power. “I am ready to resign, but they don’t want justice. They want power,” she stated, adding that she was deeply hurt by the events.
The protest, which began on Tuesday in front of Swasthya Bhawan, saw junior doctors demanding reforms following the RG Kar incident. Despite the Chief Minister’s repeated attempts to engage in discussions, the doctors placed two major conditions for the talks. They demanded live broadcasting of the meeting and proposed a delegation of 30 representatives for the discussion. The state government, however, rejected these conditions, leading to a breakdown in negotiations for the third consecutive time on Thursday.
Mamata Banerjee says she is ready to resign but some people want chair not justice
Apologizing to the people of Bengal, Banerjee said, “I couldn’t resolve the issue even after three days of efforts. I apologize to the people of Bengal. Those who came to Nabanna but refused to meet for the discussion, I forgive them. I have been disrespected, and my government has been insulted. There has been a lot of misunderstanding and defamation. The general public hasn’t misjudged the situation. I am willing to step down, but they want power, not justice.”
Read More: CM Mamata Banerjee Invites RG Kar Protesters For Talks; No Live-Streaming Allowed
Following the failed talks, junior doctors staged a sit-in protest outside Nabanna. Mamata Banerjee revealed that some doctors were willing to negotiate, but external influences prevented them from doing so. “Many were interested in talks, but external instructions came not to compromise. Only two or three individuals refused. I apologize to the people and urge the doctors to return to work,” she pleaded.
During her address, Banerjee also referred to the Supreme Court’s directive on the matter, stating that the deadline had passed, and according to her understanding, the court had indicated that the state could take action without obstruction. However, she clarified, “I will not take any action. Many people are not receiving medical treatment, and 27 people have already died. Over 700,000 people are suffering. My heart breaks. They are young, and I forgive them. I apologize to the people of Bengal once again, for my inability to resolve this in three days.”
Despite her emotional appeal, the Chief Minister concluded that if the junior doctors were still willing to engage in talks, the Chief Secretary and other senior officials would be available to hear their grievances. She emphasized that she would no longer be personally involved in the discussions.