Amit Shah visits Kolkata amid criticism from Suvendu Adhikari on Jr doctors movement following recent protests

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Kolkata as the BJP intensifies its political campaign ahead of the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal. Shah's visit aims to galvanize party workers and supporters, as the BJP seeks to strengthen its foothold in a state traditionally dominated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). His presence underscores the BJP's strategy to engage with local issues and enhance its visibility in light of the ongoing political dynamics.

Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, held a press conference shortly after Shah's arrival. During the briefing, Adhikari criticized the recent junior doctors' movement, which had aimed to address significant issues within the state's healthcare system. He asserted that the movement had suffered due to mismanagement and external influences, particularly from leftist groups, which he believes diverted the original objectives and weakened the impact of the protests.

The junior doctors' protests began in response to the Tilottama incident on August 9, which highlighted systemic failures in the healthcare sector. Over the subsequent weeks, junior doctors engaged in various forms of protest, including rallies, sit-ins, and hunger strikes, seeking better working conditions, increased safety measures, and reforms in healthcare policy. However, the protests concluded without achieving their primary demands, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the advocacy strategies employed by the medical community.

Adhikari also targeted the TMC, accusing the ruling party of creating a separate front that undermined the doctors' movement. He claimed that the TMC had managed to contain the protests and deflect attention from the core issues plaguing the healthcare system. While the government was initially under pressure, Adhikari emphasized that the conclusion of the protests did not lead to meaningful dialogue or changes in policy, which he sees as detrimental to the welfare of healthcare professionals and the public.

Despite the cessation of protests, the issues within West Bengal's healthcare system remain pressing. Concerns about inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, and the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms continue to be at the forefront of public discourse. While discussions have taken place between the Chief Minister and health officials, there is widespread skepticism regarding their outcomes. Adhikari highlighted the importance of pursuing more effective avenues for addressing these concerns, including potential involvement from the Central Health Secretary to facilitate a more constructive dialogue on healthcare reforms in the state.