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The tragic case of a trainee doctor's rape and murder at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata has ignited widespread protests across West Bengal, adding fuel to the already fiery political climate in the state. This recent incident has fueled a heated confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest development in this escalating situation is a planned march to the state secretariat, known as 'Nabanna Abhiyan', by the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, a newly formed student body. This march is scheduled for August 27th, with the students demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the preceding day, Monday. While the rally itself is not explicitly affiliated with any political party, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has openly encouraged participation from all segments of society, effectively turning it into a political rallying point.
The student body, Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj, insists that their movement is apolitical and solely focused on seeking justice for the deceased trainee doctor, Abhaya. They have stated that their primary demands include justice for the victim, capital punishment for the perpetrator, and the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing her dual role as Health Minister and head of the state police. However, the TMC has vehemently accused the BJP of orchestrating this protest to destabilize the state government. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh presented evidence in a press conference, alleging that the BJP was manipulating the situation by bringing in outsiders and planning to incite violence during the march. He further claimed that their actions were aimed at disrupting the National Eligibility Test (NET) exam scheduled for the same day, August 27th. While acknowledging their support for justice for the victim's family, the TMC has questioned the need for a march to the secretariat, emphasizing that the case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In anticipation of potential violence, the police have taken preventative measures by deploying additional personnel and sending a notice to the rally organizers to gain further information. The police have expressed concerns about the possibility of disruptive elements infiltrating the march and creating chaos. The protest's history adds another layer of complexity, as two years ago, a similar march led by the BJP to the secretariat turned violent. This incident has raised apprehensions about the potential for escalation and prompted the authorities to take proactive steps to ensure safety and order. The upcoming march to the secretariat is sure to be a significant event, potentially exacerbating the already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal. Both the TMC and the BJP are actively mobilizing their supporters, making this a high-stakes battle for political influence in the state.
Source: RG Kar Horror: Secretariat March by Students’ Body on August 27 Triggers TMC vs BJP Battle in Bengal