The Congress’s central leadership has taken a subdued position on the doctors’ strike.

Communications chief Randeep Surjewala tweeted: “Violence of any kind calls for a blanket condemnation. But violence against doctors, who have dedicated their lives to save and cure others, is absolutely reprehensible & unacceptable.”

But he added: “No one should instigate the doctors from refraining to serve….”

While the statement avoids explicit criticism of Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the reference to instigation betrays suspicions about political exploitation of the situation by some quarters. Trinamul Congress leaders have accused the BJP of fomenting trouble in the state.