August 29, 2024 – Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vehemently denied allegations that she threatened doctors protesting the rape and murder of a medical student at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The accusations, which emerged from BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, claimed that Banerjee used threatening language in an address to the Trinamool Congress's students' wing, leading to widespread controversy.
In a post on social media platform X, Banerjee condemned what she called a "malicious disinformation campaign" against her. She asserted that her words had been misrepresented and that she fully supports the doctors' movement, which she described as "genuine." The Chief Minister clarified that she had not spoken against the medical students or their protests, emphasizing that the accusation of threatening them was "completely false."
Banerjee further explained that her criticism was directed at the BJP, accusing the party of trying to undermine democracy in West Bengal with the support of the central government. She claimed that the BJP was attempting to create anarchy and lawlessness in the state, and her remarks were meant to address these concerns, not to intimidate the medical community.
The controversy centers around Banerjee's use of the phrase "phonsh kora" during her speech, which was interpreted by some, including state BJP chief and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, as an incitement to revenge politics. Banerjee, however, clarified that the phrase was a reference to a teaching by the mystic and social reformer Ramakrishna Paramhansa. She recounted a story where Ramakrishna advised a snake to hiss and scare away those who would harm it, but not to bite. Banerjee stated that her speech was intended to encourage people to raise their voices against injustice, drawing on the wisdom of Ramakrishna.
Despite her clarification, the controversy continues, with BJP leaders accusing the Chief Minister of inciting violence. In response, Banerjee reiterated her commitment to supporting the doctors' movement and ensuring justice for the victim of the tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College.
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