Kolkata: A grand, makeshift stage, reminiscent of a West Bengal zamindar’s mansion, was decorated. Chairs were lined up in rows. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, joined by celebrities and women MPs from the ruling party, applauded some of the biggest Durga Puja organisers, while participants danced to songs composed by her.
Barely a few metres from the Durga Immersion Carnival organised by the state government stood another makeshift stage, where seven doctors have been on a hunger strike for several days. Thousands of citizens, from all walks of life, joined them in a show of solidarity, turning the event into what its organisers dubbed a “Droh Carnival” – a ‘Carnival of Revolt’.
As the chief minister took part in a dandiya dance with Bengali TV and film celebrities, chants of “shame” rang out from the protest march nearby. People, with their arms interlinked in unity, marched with faces full of anger and frustration.
Banerjee participates in the Durga Immersion Carnival. Photo: Banerjee’s Facebook page.
“Today, people have made history. The movement has been going on for two months. Despite an inhumane government’s oppression, people have come out in large numbers today, showing that they still stand for justice,” said Manas Gupta, a representative of the Joint Platform of Doctors, on Tuesday (October 15).
As Banerjee – who is also in charge of the health ministry – applauded as minister of state for health Chandrima Bhattacharya danced at the carnival, two more doctors joined the ongoing hunger strike. Meanwhile, another fasting doctor was admitted to the ICU. So far, six doctors have been hospitalised as their health continues to deteriorate.
“Today marks the 12th day of our hunger strike. My friends and fellow fighters in this long struggle are falling ill one after another and being admitted to the ICU. The administration remains indifferent, lost in a carnival. The fight is unequal, but it is just,” said Rumelika Kumar, who joined the hunger strike on Tuesday.
“As I have said before, I reiterate that even at the risk of my life, we will do everything possible to reform this healthcare system and this society. We will ensure justice,” she continued.
There was speculation about whether the police would allow the ‘Carnival of Revolt’ organised by protesting doctors on Rani Rashmoni Avenue, in contrast to the Durga Immersion Carnival on Red Road. Kolkata’s police commissioner issued a pre-emptive measure, invoking Section 163 of the BNSS to restrict gatherings of five or more people in the area.
A poster saying ‘(Be) Free from fear’. Photo: Special arrangement with Subhamoy Dasgupta.
However, the Calcutta high court intervened and lifted the ban on the protest rally. The police, who had earlier fortified the area with barricades, were swiftly forced to dismantle them, allowing the protesters to proceed.
Following the court order, the police had to face widespread criticism and ridicule, with protesters openly mocking senior police officials.
As the announcement came for the best song at the Durga Immersion Carnival – predictably written by Banerjee, the crowd at the ‘Droh Carnival’ formed a human chain. Chants, songs and poems filled the air and people danced. Hundreds of black balloons were released into the sky.
Late in the evening, protestors marched to the nearby Maidan police station, demanding the release of Dr Tapobrata Roy, a Kolkata Municipal Corporation employee who was detained while on duty at the government carnival for wearing a ‘We want justice’ badge.
Facing mounting pressure, the police were forced to release Roy late in the evening.
Upon his release, Roy joined the hunger strikers in solidarity. On Wednesday, he and all other doctors at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation reported to work wearing the same protest badge.
“The state government should have acted immediately upon hearing the grave irregularities in the health system. For two months, countless people have been queuing up to demand better healthcare and justice, but the government has responded with attacks on protesters. Top leaders of the ruling Trinamool [Congress] party are openly instigating violence. This is a terrifying situation. The state government is solely responsible for this,” said Abhijit Choudhury, a senior doctor in Kolkata.
Despite ongoing efforts by civil society and medical organisations to mediate between the government and the protesting doctors, the deadlock remains.
Concerned about the deteriorating health of the hunger striking junior doctors, veteran Left leader Biman Basu called on the chief minister to engage directly with the striking doctors and address their demands.
“The issue is becoming very emotional now. Young doctors are going on hunger strikes and falling ill, and the government doesn’t seem very serious about addressing their concerns. The doctors want to change the system. It’s a huge endeavour for the public good, but it’s also true that it’s difficult to implement quickly,” said political analyst Sudipta Sengupta.
Translated from the Bengali original by Aparna Bhattacharya.