The BJP on Saturday labeled West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s surprise visit to the junior doctors’ protest site as nothing more than a “photo-op,” accusing her of using the occasion to sow “seeds of suspicion” within the medical fraternity.
Banerjee’s visit to the protesting doctors, held outside Swasthya Bhawan in Salt Lake, Kolkata, came with assurances that their demands would be addressed, and action would be taken if any wrongdoing was found. Addressing the gathering amid chants of “we want justice,” Banerjee claimed she had been losing sleep due to the ongoing protests, which had been taking place despite challenging weather conditions.
However, the BJP was quick to dismiss her appearance as insincere. Amit Malviya, BJP’s co-incharge for West Bengal, criticized Banerjee on social media platform X, stating that her five-minute speech was superficial, and she made no effort to engage with or listen to the protesting doctors.
“This was just a media photo-op to sow seeds of suspicion among the medical fraternity,” Malviya said, accusing the chief minister of being “sly and insincere” in her approach to the ongoing crisis.
Malviya also pointed to the unresolved case of the rape and murder of a student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, criticizing Banerjee’s leadership for exacerbating tensions. “Her inflated ego is damaging West Bengal’s public healthcare sector,” he added, calling for condemnation of her actions.
The protest by junior doctors has escalated in recent days, with demands for justice and better working conditions, drawing widespread attention in the state.