Amidst the ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a doctor at the R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose on Thursday called for a social boycott of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
“In view of the snowballing public protest against Mamata Banerjee and government’s inaction in giving justice to the people and open violation of constitutional proprieties, Bengal Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose today announced a social boycott of Mamata Banerjee,” a statement from Raj Bhawan, Kolkata said.
The statement added that the Governor will avoid any public function in which the Chief Minister is present and will not share any public platform with her. The remarks by the Governor come after talks between the State government and protesting doctors fell apart over demands of live streaming of the meeting.
According to Raj Bhawan sources, the Governor will take “proactive steps against Mamata Banerjee for violating constitutional provisions”.
The Governor had asked the Chief Minister to hold an emergency meeting of the Cabinet and had sought a report from the Chief Minister under Article 167 of the Constitution.
Ready to resign, says CM
Addressing reporters at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said she was ready to resign “for the sake of the people” and said she also wants justice for the deceased doctor.
“I seek forgiveness from the people of Bengal. I waited for three days. I demand justice for the common people, I demand justice for Tilottama. They want my chair, not justice. I’m not swayed by the lure of power, I’m willing to resign but I want the people to receive services,” Ms. Banerjee said.
After the Chief Minister’s press conference, several leaders of the Trinamool Congress came in support of the party chairperson on social media and highlighted the distress of patients who are not getting treatment because of the ongoing strike by doctors.
Leaders of the Opposition parties, including the BJP, said Ms. Banerjee’s reference of her resignation was only to divert attention from the ongoing protests.
Published - September 12, 2024 10:52 pm IST