Mamata Banerjee offers to resign amid standstill with Kolkata Doctors

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a striking declaration, stating, "I am ready to resign," as tensions with protesting junior doctors escalated. The doctors have been demonstrating in response to the tragic rape and murder of one of their colleagues at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital last month. Banerjee’s offer followed the release of dramatic visuals by the Trinamool Congress, showing her sitting alone in a hall, awaiting the doctors' arrival.

Protests continue as talks stall

The impasse between Banerjee and the junior doctors persisted on Thursday evening, as a delegation of 32 representatives camped outside the state secretariat. They declined to enter the meeting after authorities refused their request for live streaming of the discussion.

Banerjee, addressing the delay, expressed frustration: “We have been waiting for two hours to meet the doctors. We had written to them, and they confirmed they would come. That’s why we made these arrangements. We were prepared for an open-minded discussion.” She emphasized that senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and the Home Secretary, were present for the dialogue.

Banerjee's clarification on live streaming

Explaining why the live streaming of the meeting was not permitted, Banerjee clarified, “Since the matter is sub judice, it’s not possible to broadcast the discussion live. Despite their absence for two hours, we will not take any action against them.”

The deadlock continues, with both sides yet to reach a resolution, but Banerjee’s willingness to step down highlights the severity of the situation and the challenges facing her government in navigating this crisis.