West Bengal CM Open to Resignation Over Doctors' Strike

Kolkata- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is ready to resign if the striking junior doctors do not return to work. While the chief minister said she is prepared to leave her post, she asserted that justice must be served for the victim.

After addressing the protesting junior doctors at a press conference, Banerjee said, "I am ready to resign as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am not concerned about the post. My only concern is justice for the victim and ensuring that ordinary people receive medical services."

She also assured that no disciplinary action will be taken against the doctors currently on strike. Banerjee said she had tried several times to engage with the protesting junior doctors and had waited for three days for them to resolve the issue.

Despite the Supreme Court's recent ruling that directed the doctors to resume work, Banerjee said the state government has not taken any action till now. "Three days have passed since the verdict, yet we have not initiated disciplinary measures because sometimes we must tolerate such situations," she said, adding that it is the duty of the government to be patient.

On the matter of live-streaming the discussions with the doctors, Banerjee said it was not possible due to the ongoing legal case. "We had waited for 2 hours and 10 minutes, urging the doctors to approach the discussions with an open mind. The deadlock can only be resolved through dialogue. In the past two days, we also waited for two hours each day. Our role is to forgive, and we are still open to talks," she said.

Banerjee also expressed disappointment that the doctors did not attend the meeting despite being given permission to enter. "We had invited 15 representatives, but 34 delegates arrived. We allowed them all in, yet they chose not to participate," she said.

The Chief Minister highlighted the impact of the ongoing strike, stating that 27 people have died and over 7 lakh citizens have been deprived of medical services over the last 32 days. "There are 1,500 serious cases that need urgent attention," she added.

Banerjee also pointed to her government's efforts in improving healthcare, mentioning that under her leadership, the number of medical colleges in the state had increased from 12 to 35, along with the construction of 43 super-specialty hospitals. "Despite the difficulties, senior doctors are continuing to work. We were hopeful for a breakthrough today, but we will continue to forgive and show patience," she remarked.