Friday, 20 September 2024
Friday, 20 September 2024
Bengal’s ruling party is speaking in many voices as the protests against the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor continue to rock Calcutta and the state, with some leaders taking on protesters with words they are soon forced to eat after strictures from the party brass.
That trend has continued even after the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Sandip Ghosh, the controversial former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Monday evening in a corruption case.
The CBI arrested Ghosh and three others, including his security officer Afsar Ali Khan and vendors Biplab Singh and Suman Hazra who supplied materials to the hospital, in the probe into the alleged financial irregularities at the government-run hospital. .
Ghosh’s proximity with the ruling dispensation has been under scrutiny ever since the rape-murder first shocked Calcutta and the country.
Here is what the Trinamul leaders have said in the run-up to and after Ghosh’s arrest.
Kunal Ghosh questions CBI investigation
Trinamul spokesperson Kunal Ghosh on Tuesday questioned the CBI on the central agency’s apparent lack of headway in the rape-murder.
“Sandip arrested because of allegations of corruption. Let law take its course. But what is the update on the CBI investigation of the rape-murder case? Kolkata Police had arrested one person. What happened after? Is it the work of one person or a vested group? There will be protests, rumours and negative politics because of this delay. CBI must inform how far the investigation has proceeded.” Ghosh wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
He quote-tweeted an earlier post, saying that his stance had not changed and he only wanted justice.
Clean bowled, says Rajya Sabha MP
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy posted a picture of a broken set of cricket wickets on X with a caption: “Middle stump uprooted, what next?”
Roy had earlier supported the Reclaim the Night protests on August 14. He had even asked for custodial interrogation of Calcutta police commissioner Vineet Goyal and Sandip Ghosh.
The Kolkata Police had summoned Roy to Lalbazar, the police headquarters, for spreading misinformation on the case.
Only justice, no politics: Sagarika Ghose
Journalist turned TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose welcomed the arrest in a video message on X on Tuesday.
“The arrest of #RGKarHospital former principal Sandip Ghosh is welcome . The law is acting, will always act without fear or favour in Bengal. Only justice, no politics.” she wrote.
The silence of the Trinamul’s women MPs had invited social media ridicule in the days immediately following the rape-murder at RG Kar.
Ghose had posted on X four days after the incident: “...the Mamata Banerjee government stands for zero tolerance on crime against women.”
Bengal shows the way: Firhad Hakim
Kolkata mayor and cabinet minister Firhad Hakim remained silent on Sandip Ghosh’s arrest but took to X to talk about the anti-rape bill that the Mamata government is introducing in the Assembly on Tuesday.
“The Anti-Rape Bill is a turning point in Bengal’s fight against sexual violence. This is not just about protecting women & children; it’s about crushing those who dare to harm them. Bengal will make sure criminals are brought to justice!” Hakim wrote.
In the past 48 hours, Hakim had made two posts saying “justice delayed is justice denied” and “no rumours, only truth, CBI answer us.”
Loyalty points
Former Rajya Sabha MP and former Trinamul spokesperson Dr Santanu Sen is also the state secretary of the Indian Medical Association and former chairman of the RG Kar patients’ welfare committee. He noted that he had given prior information about Ghosh’s alleged irregularities to the state health department.
“Loyal soldier always gives actual informations to his leader,opposes those who misguide leader for their vested interest, knowing fully well that those with self interest will try to convince the leader that the soldier is wrong. Now leader to judge.” Sen wrote on X.
Sen, an alumni of the RG Kar medical college, had earlier spoken out against Ghosh.
Not so Lovely, Kanchan
In the past three days, many Trinamul leaders had criticised the ongoing agitations. Lovely Maitra, MLA from Sonarpur Dakshin, had called for ‘badla’ (revenge) while speaking on the protests. TV funnyman-turned Uttarpara MLA Kanchan Mullick had mocked the trend of Durga Puja committees refusing the Rs 85,000 dole of the state government, and asked whether government employees who are refusing that money and those who are on protest would take their salaries and bonuses.
The Trinamul leadership has reportedly rapped both Lovely and Kanchan for their comments. Mullick even issued an apology.
Mahua Moitra keeps the focus national
Till 12:50 pm on Tuesday, outspoken and fiery Lok Sabha MP Mahua Maitra had not reacted to Sandip Ghosh’s arrest. Instead the Trinamul leader highlighted national issues like cow vigilantes running amok and Union minister Chirag Paswan’s politics.
Abhishek and Mamata tread carefully
Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was conspicuously silent over Monday and Tuesday, her last post on X being about condoling the death of Kirti Azad’s wife. Mamata has consistently said she has nothing against the protesters and only opposes the BJP that is trying to create violence in bengal.
Trinamul general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also posted on X late on Monday night, urging party leaders to not vilify the protesters.
“Public representatives across party lines need to be more HUMBLE and SYMPATHETIC. I urge everyone in @AITCofficial not to speak ill of anyone from the MEDICAL FRATERNITY OR CIVIL SOCIETY,” the TMC national general secretary wrote on X at 10.04pm.
“Everyone has the right to protest and express themselves — This is what sets West Bengal apart from other BJP-ruled states,” he added.
