Kolkata: On Thursday, the BJP called for the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the vandalism at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident occurred amid a cease-work protest by junior doctors in response to the alleged rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee last week.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee condemned the violence, stating that the hooliganism at RG Kar Hospital had crossed all boundaries. He urged the police to apprehend all those responsible, regardless of their political ties, within 24 hours.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the BJP accused “vicious thugs” of executing a premeditated attack on the hospital during the early hours of Thursday, leading to widespread chaos and injuries. The party questioned the absence of Kolkata Police during the assault and criticized them for what they described as a gross dereliction of duty. The BJP demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief Minister, who also serves as the state’s Home and Health Minister, citing her incompetence as a threat to public safety.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, who visited the hospital after the vandalism, claimed that a “malicious media campaign” had exacerbated the situation.
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the TMC of orchestrating the vandalism to derail the ongoing CBI investigation into the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor on August 9. The Calcutta High Court had transferred the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI on August 13.
Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemned the events at RG Kar Hospital, urging swift action against those responsible. He also expressed support for the protesting doctors, stating that their demands for justice and safety were justified.
In response to the vandalism, the SUCI (Communist) announced a 12-hour general strike in West Bengal on August 16, as confirmed by the party’s state secretary, Chandidas Bhattacharya.
