Mamata Banerjee Denies Threats Towards Agitating Junior Doctors Amid Protests

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuted claims of threatening junior doctors protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a woman medic. She described the accusations as part of a disinformation campaign and emphasized her support for the doctors' movement. The controversy stems from her rally remarks, which some perceived as a veiled threat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday refuted accusations of threatening junior doctors at state-run hospitals, who have been on a 21-day cease-work protest against the alleged rape and murder of a woman medic.

Banerjee addressed these accusations, labeling them as 'completely false' and part of a "malicious disinformation campaign." Emphasizing her support, she stated, "I totally support their movement. Their movement is genuine. I never threatened them, as some people are accusing me of doing. This allegation is completely false," she wrote on X.

At a rally organized by the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad, Banerjee appealed to the agitating junior doctors to consider returning to duty, expressing that she does not want to file FIRs against them considering their future careers. However, her remarks were perceived as a 'veiled threat' by some agitating doctors, who consequently rejected her appeal.

Banerjee also highlighted her stance against the BJP, accusing them of threatening democracy and creating anarchy in the state. She clarified her "snap back" message and referenced a saying by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa to justify her stance. Amid this, the BJP accused Banerjee of abandoning her previous slogan of 'badla noy, badal chai' in favor of resistance and protest in response to insults from opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)