'Let there be a carnival of votes': Kunal Ghosh challenges protesting doctors

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has challenged both agitating junior doctors and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] to face off in the upcoming by-elections, rather than continuing their protests behind the scenes. Ghosh's comments came on the heels of a significant protest known as the "Droh Carnival," which took place in Dharmatala.

Ghosh directed his sarcasm mainly towards the CPI(M), stating, “You’ve had enough, now come directly to the polls.” He insinuated that the current agitation by junior doctors was fueled by leftist and ultra-leftist senior doctors who have been instigating unrest for some time. Ghosh accused the Left of orchestrating the protest, calling it a “treason carnival” and claiming it was supported directly by their faction.

In a social media post, Ghosh invited the opposition to transform their protests into electoral battles, urging, “Come to the carnival of votes.” He openly challenged the leftists to present their junior doctor leaders as candidates in the upcoming by-elections. “In the forthcoming by-elections, let three or four instigating senior doctors or super-revolutionary leaders appear as CPI(M) candidates. All the anti-government voices on Facebook and in the media should step up as candidates in front of the people,” he said.

Taking a firm stance against the left, Ghosh called on them to “fight with the candidates of Gomsai, Barujje, Chimtas,” referring to various regions in the state. He emphasized the need for a confrontation rather than using social media as a platform for their grievances. “Let the Election Commission and the central forces create a real 'carnival of votes,'” he asserted, suggesting that the time for talk has passed.