Breaking News: Party’s Second-In-Command Urges Kindness Amid Controversy
Kolkata: Abhishek Banerjee, the second-in-command of Trinamool Congress, has put out a strong message to his party members: refrain from negative comments about anyone, especially those in the medical field or civil society. This comes after numerous ugly remarks by party leaders, following an alleged suggestion by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for them to "hiss". The Chief Minister has denied making such a statement, but some party members appear unconvinced.
Abhishek Banerjee voiced his warning on social media, emphasizing the need for public representatives to be more humble and sympathetic. "I urge everyone in @AITCofficial not to speak ill of anyone from the MEDICAL FRATERNITY OR CIVIL SOCIETY," he stated. "Everyone has the right to protest and express themselves. This is what sets West Bengal apart from other BJP-ruled states," he added.
Public Appeals for Calm
The call from Abhishek Banerjee follows several inflammatory remarks from party members. On Sunday, Atish Sarkar, husband of a TMC councillor, lashed out at protestors, saying, "I will make a distorted picture of your mother and sister and hang it on the door of your house. You will not be able to leave your house." He added, "Remember, our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee advised us to hiss at times. If we start hissing, you will not be able to come out of your houses." After his comments were widely shared, he was suspended by the party.
Apologies and Controversies
On the same day, Trinamool’s senior MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who is also a doctor, issued an apology for her derogatory comments about women doctors. She had previously stated on a TV panel discussing the horrific rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College that female medical students often passed their exams by "sitting on the lap" of teaching doctors. She later apologized for her remarks, acknowledging the anger it had sparked within the medical community.
Actor-turned-politician and Trinamool MLA Kanchan Mullick added fuel to the fire by questioning junior doctors who were protesting. "I just want to ask whether people who are on ceasework and opposing the ruling party are accepting their salaries and bonuses? Will people from my fraternity withdraw the awards conferred on them by the state government?" he asked during a party protest in Konnagar.
Tensions Escalate
The situation escalated further with a video of state minister Udayan Guha telling party workers to retaliate against political adversaries. "Some political parties are trying to do politics over the RG Kar incident. If they sting once, we will have to sting five times. If they leave a single tooth-mark, we will have to leave five teeth-marks," he said in the video.
Trinamool MP Arup Chakraborty echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that party workers must "hiss" to counter those protesting the rape and murder at RG Kar Hospital. "Once we take a stand and hiss, those misleading people will flee like dogs," he warned.
Chief Minister Clarifies Comments
In light of these controversies, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sought to clarify her earlier comments during a recent meeting. On August 29, she took to social media to explain the context of her words. "The phrase ("phonsh kara") I used is a quote from Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The legendary saint said occasionally there is a need to raise one’s voice. When there are crimes and criminal offences, a voice of protest has to be raised," she wrote.
The backlash from the medical community and civil society has been severe. Both groups have been actively protesting the rape-murder, despite the Supreme Court’s request for them to return to work.
The recent comments by party leaders have only intensified their resolve, highlighting the deep divide and raising questions about the future course of action. It remains to be seen how the party will handle the situation and whether Abhishek Banerjee’s call for humility and sympathy will bring any change.