"In the Interest of the People, I am Ready to Step Down": Mamata Banerjee

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after being stood up by protesting junior doctors, delivered an impassioned speech in a press conference stating that she is ready to resign “in the interest of the people.” Banerjee, awaiting a delegation of doctors at the state secretariat, expressed her disappointment but reiterated her commitment to dialogue. Mamata Banerjee, country’s only woman chief minister, assured the doctors that no action would be taken against them and pointed to political forces influencing the protest. Despite her frustration, she maintained that her priority is justice and healthcare access for the common people.

“I am sorry. I apologise to the people of this country and the world who are supporting them (doctors), please give your support… We want justice for the common people. We want justice for the treatment of common people. We want that as per Supreme Court instruction, they (doctors) must join their duty… We are not taking any disciplinary action because sometimes we have to tolerate. It is our duty to tolerate sometimes…,” the Trinamool Congress chief minister said in her press conference.

Banerjee’s remarks come amid mounting pressure over the protests sparked by the rape-murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital.

Mamata Banerjee Offers To Resign: 10 Points

1. Mamata Banerjee expressed readiness to step down from her post “in the interest of the people” following protests by junior doctors over a rape-murder incident.
2. The Chief Minister waited over two hours for the doctors’ delegation, which refused to meet her due to unmet demands, including live-streaming of the proceedings.
3. Despite the protest, Banerjee assured no action would be taken against the doctors, criticising those orchestrating the protest for political gain.
4. Banerjee highlighted that the doctors’ refusal to meet was influenced by external instructions, hinting at political motivations behind the protest.
5. The junior doctors’ protest stems from the rape and murder of a colleague, with demands for accountability and enhanced security for healthcare workers.
6. The state government allowed more than the requested 15 doctors to attend the meeting but refused the demand for live-streaming, causing the impasse.
7. Banerjee emphasised her commitment to justice for the victim, Tilottama, and her desire to ensure that the common people receive proper medical treatment.
8. Banerjee’s government is under pressure, with opposition and public criticism mounting, particularly over the handling of the hospital rape case.
9. The junior doctors have set multiple conditions for dialogue, including Banerjee’s presence, a larger delegation, and live-streaming of the discussions.
10. Despite the Supreme Court’s direction for doctors to return to work, the junior doctors continue to strike, demanding action against key figures in the incident.