Another dramatic turn in the RG Kar horror in West Bengal unfolded on September 14.
Thirty five days have already passed and one does not know for how long the RG Kar impasse will continue.
They say timelines are important in incidents like the one reported from the state-run hospital of West Bengal where a 31-year-old PGT doctor was brutally raped and murdered on the night of August 8— the day will certainly be remembered as a 'black day' in the history of West Bengal.
However, tragedies are also remembered for their climax: September 14 could be one such day.
The day, which began with medics protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan — state health department’s headquarters — suddenly took an interesting turn when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid a surprise visit to the spot.
A step which appeared to be a gimmick even though it was touted as a move in which the CM stood in solidarity with the agitating doctors, has drawn mixed reactions for the way in which CM Banerjee tried to convince the medics to resume work.
Was it a threat couched in softer words that seemed to convey she was genuinely concerned for the healthcare providers?
Statements by Banerjee such as “this is my last attempt” to convince the protesters, “I do not want the apex court to take action against you,” could seem like threats.
Don't the medics know that the Supreme Court will hear the verdict on September 17 and that they have already missed the deadline set by the top court to resume work?
There’s also that one line delivered by Banerjee that seems to have political relevance — “This is not Uttar Pradesh, but Bengal.”
While it is difficult to decipher the real motive behind such remarks by the CM at the site of the protests, the manner in which the day concluded, it has left behind a trail of questions.
Was the CM’s visit to the site assuring agitators of all possible assistance mere eyewash?
They say experience matters in every field of work. Certainly, in politics too.
CM Banerjee does not only understand the significance of a democratic movement. But she can get the pulse of it too.
The RG Kar incident seems to have raised questions about Mamata’s governance.
And with Durga Puja knocking at the door — the mother of all festivals in West Bengal — CM Banerjee had to step up to show herself in a positive light.
Some significance has to be attached to her surprise move to go to the site of the protests as well as waiting at the doorsteps of her residence for the agitators to come in for the much-awaited talks.
It does go a long way in projecting her as the head of state who cares.
Whether it is a masterstroke or not to placate the protestors and win them over to her side remains to be seen.
The protestors on their part could have made their stand on all matters related to the RG Kar tragedy clearer.
The email, which they sent to the State Secretariat in response to CM Banerjee’s visit to the protest site did not have much clarity as far as one of their key demands was concerned.
They did not make any mention of ‘live-streaming’ the meeting in it.
However, “proper transparency” was sought.
The medics did not clarify what they meant by seeking “proper transparency” or what their next move would be in case live-streaming was not allowed.
CM Banerjee on her part has said she will study the demands of the protesters and will try to fulfil them as much as possible.
Eventually when the agitating medics agreed to talks without 'live-streaming' or 'video-recording', why did they take time to make their decision known?
If they truly want to end the agitation both parties need to make their stand clear on the matter.
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