TMC MP Jawhar Sircar resigns in protest over handling of Kolkata Doctor's rape and murder
- In Reports
- 02:02 PM, Sep 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar resigned from his parliamentary position on Sunday, protesting the Bengal government's handling of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital, along with the subsequent events.
In his resignation letter addressed to Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, Sircar criticised the "unchecked overbearing attitude of the favoured few and the corrupt" within his own party. He expressed disappointment at being unable to speak privately with Banerjee for several months and lamented the lack of action against corrupt officials. "I became increasingly disillusioned as the state government seemed quite unconcerned about corruption and the increasing strong-arm tactics of a section of leaders," Sircar wrote.
Sircar also condemned the appointment of corrupt officials and doctors to top positions. “I just cannot accept some things, like corrupt officers (or doctors) getting prime and top postings,” he said.
His resignation follows widespread protests in Bengal triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College Hospital. Sircar indicated that the public outrage reflects growing discontent with the TMC government, which he believes has lost the trust of the people. “In all my years, I have not seen such angst and total no-confidence against the government, even when it says something correct or factual,” he said.
Expressing frustration with the government's response to the incident, Sircar added, "I have suffered patiently for a month since the terrible incident at RG Kar Hospital, and was hoping for your direct intervention with the agitating junior doctors, in the old style of Mamata Banerjee. It has not happened and whatever punitive steps that government is taking now are too little and quite late."
He urged the party to adopt a non-confrontational approach, noting that the protests are driven by a desire for justice and punishment rather than political motives. Sircar warned that if the party does not correct its course, "communal forces will capture this state."
In his letter, Sircar also announced his intention to step back from politics. “I express my gratitude again for the opportunity you gave me to raise Bengal's issues in Parliament for three years, but I do not wish to continue as MP at all. My commitment to fight corruption, communalism, and authoritarianism in the Centre and the States is simply non-negotiable,” he added.
In recent weeks, Banerjee has faced growing criticism from within her party over her handling of the RG Kar incident. TMC leader Santanu Sen was removed from his party post after he criticised the functioning of the state-run hospital. Veteran leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray had also questioned the police probe into the doctor’s rape and murder.
Image source: ToI
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