BJP Announces Statewide Protests Over Alleged Doctor Rape-Murder, Demands Chief Minister’s Resignation

In a sharp escalation of its campaign against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a series of statewide protests in response to the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor at a government hospital two weeks ago. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has called for demonstrations from August 28 to September 4.

Protest Events

The BJP’s protest schedule includes a sit-in at Kolkata’s Esplanade on August 28, with the party’s women’s wing planning to lock the gates of the State Women’s Commission office. On August 29, party workers will stage protests outside district magistrates’ offices across the state, while September 2 will see demonstrations outside administrative offices in every block. The protests will culminate in a ‘chakka jam’ on September 4, causing traffic disruptions for an hour at various locations.

Allegations and Demands

Majumdar has criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly ignoring women’s safety issues and has demanded her resignation. He has also accused the chief minister of protecting corrupt officials implicated in financial irregularities at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, and has called for the CBI to investigate a purported phone conversation between Banerjee and a senior hospital official.

TMC’s Response

In response, TMC spokesperson Joy Prakash Majumdar accused the BJP of attempting to disrupt normalcy and divert attention from the CBI’s progress on the case. He emphasized that the TMC has expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and is committed to justice. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticized the BJP for focusing on political gains rather than addressing the broader issue of women’s safety in West Bengal.

The ongoing political skirmish highlights the tension between state and opposition parties amidst the backdrop of a highly charged and sensitive case.