West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized young physicians in a heated discussion in Nabanna on Monday, accusing them of using the media to spread a “threat culture.” The Chief Minister was upset with the doctors for reportedly taking harsh actions, like suspending pupils, without first informing the state administration during a planned discussion.
This meeting, which was intended to foster dialogue between the state government and junior doctors, took an unexpected turn when Banerjee directly criticised the doctors for airing their grievances through the media rather than following proper protocols. She accused them of creating a “threat culture,” a term that suggests that certain actions were taken to intimidate others without due process.
“You are running a threat culture”
Without mincing her words, Banerjee said to the doctors, “Without any discussion, you are calling the media and running a threat culture. You’re getting students suspended in front of the media. There’s an entity called the government.” Her stern remarks underscored her displeasure with how the junior doctors had allegedly bypassed state authorities in handling internal matters at medical institutions.
The Chief Minister was particularly critical of the recent suspension of 47 students from R.G. Kar Medical College. She questioned how such a large-scale decision was made without prior notice to the government. “Why did the principal of R.G. Kar suspend 47 people? How did he decide on his own? Did he not feel the need to inform the state government?” Banerjee asked, implying that the actions taken by the college administration were not in line with governmental procedures.
She also highlighted that suspensions of such magnitude should only occur following thorough investigations. “Nobody should be suspended without proper investigation. Do not act on whims. No one should threaten anyone. Just because I am in power, it doesn’t mean I can threaten people,” she said, stressing the importance of due process and fair treatment.
The Response from Junior Doctors
Representing the junior doctors, Aniket Mahato defended the actions taken by the college, stating that the suspensions were a result of an internal investigation conducted by a committee. “The committee investigated and then decided to suspend them,” Mahato explained.
However, Banerjee wasn’t convinced. Her voice rising with frustration, she asked, “Why suspend without any discussion?” She went on to argue that decisions of this nature should not be made without consulting the state government. In her view, the junior doctors were overstepping their bounds by taking such actions without the appropriate oversight.
The Chief Minister further stated that an investigation into the matter would be conducted, and no partiality would be allowed. She also raised concerns about the creation of an “Academic Council” within the institution without government approval, questioning its legitimacy and authority to make decisions such as suspensions.
A Heated Debate on Merit and Fairness
The debate grew more intense when Mahato brought up allegations of malpractice within the institution. He claimed that if the answer sheets of many accused students were checked, it would become clear that some individuals had not even scored 10 marks, yet they were awarded medals and given prestigious house staff positions. Banerjee acknowledged that there were many accusations against several individuals, but did not delve further into the matter during the discussion.
The exchange highlighted the growing tension between the state government and the junior doctors over issues of governance, transparency, and the role of media in institutional matters. With both sides standing firm, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what measures will be taken to resolve these ongoing conflicts.
