National/ Health Desk
15 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Protesting junior doctors held their ‘Drohar Carnival’ (Carnival of Protest) today, starting from Rani Rashmoni Road in the Esplanade area of Kolkata. This demonstration came soon after the Calcutta High Court quashed the order banning the Durga Puja Carnival near Red Road. The protest is in response to the alleged rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College Hospital, which has sparked outrage.
A large number of people joined the rally, expressing their anger toward the West Bengal government’s handling of the situation. Debashish Haldar, a member of the doctors’ group, said the protest reflected the frustration of ordinary citizens who are against the government’s perceived indifference. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has faced criticism for her lack of response, as junior doctors have been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 5. The Joint Platform of Doctors has also voiced its support for the junior doctors’ protest.
Meanwhile, the BJP held a separate protest rally, also condemning the incident at RG Kar Hospital. Led by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, a large group of BJP workers and supporters marched from Esplanade to College Square, raising slogans against the state government.
These protests have intensified the political tension in West Bengal, as both the junior doctors and the BJP call for accountability and justice in light of recent events.