West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to resign during a press conference on Thursday, following the failed negotiations with protesting doctors. The doctors have been demanding justice for the rape and murder of a fellow doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Speaking from the state’s secretariat, Nabanna, Mamata said, “I apologize to the people of Bengal. I have tried for three days but couldn’t resolve the issue. Those who came to Nabanna for the talks refused to join the meeting, but I forgive them.”
She added, “I have been disrespected, and so has my government. There have been misunderstandings, and many people were misled. If needed, I am ready to resign. But they [the doctors] are not seeking justice; they are seeking power. I hope the people will understand this.”
Mamata revealed that while many doctors were interested in negotiating, external forces influenced them not to settle. She stated, “I apologize to the people and request the doctors to return to work.”
The Chief Minister also referred to a Supreme Court ruling, indicating that the court had given the state the green light to take necessary actions to resolve the situation. “The time has passed, and as per my knowledge, the Supreme Court said that if the state acts, they will not interfere. But I will not take any action. Many people are not receiving medical care, 27 people have died, and seven lakh people are deprived. My heart aches.”
Finally, she noted that if the doctors are willing to talk again, her Chief Secretary and other officials at Nabanna will meet them, but she will no longer participate in the discussions.