RG Kar: Junior doctors’ hunger strike enters 9th day, others on 'symbolic fast'
Kolkata (PTI): The hunger strike by junior doctors of West Bengal to press for their demands following the RG Kar hospital incident entered the ninth day on Sunday, when people are holding a "symblic fast" at various parts of the state to express solidarity with the agitators.
Three of the junior doctors who were observing ‘fast unto death’ in Kolkata and Siliguri city in the northern part of the state have so far been hospitalised after their condition deteriorated.
"Their conditions are worsening but the state administration remains unmoved,” a leader of the agitating Junior Doctors Forum said.
Meanwhile, a group of former students of R G Kar hospital have reached the medical establishment for a symbolic fasting of 12 hours to express solidarity with the students on hunger strike.
However, they faced resistance from the CISF personnel who were on security duty at the hospital following a court order.
The ex-students, most of whom are senior citizens, said they will go ahead with their proposed symbolic fast programme, come what may.
Several people are also observing the "symblic fast" during the day in Malda and Murshidabad district.
The agitating doctors have urged people to observe "Arandhan" (no cooking) on Sunday to show solidarity and support for their cause.
A large number of common people visited the venue of the hunger strike during the past few days when the Durga Puja festivities were on.
The junior doctors have been demanding justice for the RG Kar hospital victim, immediate removal of Health Secretary N S Nigam, workplace security and other measures.
Their other demands include the establishment of a centralised referral system for all hospitals and medical colleges in the state, the implementation of a bed vacancy monitoring system, and formation of task forces to ensure essential provisions for CCTV, on-call rooms, and washrooms at their workplaces.
The hunger strike from October 5 followed nearly 50 days of ‘cease work’ in two phases. Their agitation began after an on-duty postgraduate trainee was allegedly raped and murdered inside state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.
While one person was arrested by the Kolkata Police the next day, the CBI is now investigating the case on a Calcutta High Court order.
On Friday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to intervene before the situation escalates.
Doctors of private hospitals called for a 48-hour “partial cease work” from October 14 in medical establishments across West Bengal, in solidarity with the agitating junior medics observing a fast-unto-death.
The doctors, under the banner of Healthcare Professionals of Private Hospitals, however, said emergency services in all medical facilities will remain operational.
The Joint Platform of Doctors, West Bengal, has also called for a ‘protest carnival’ on October 15 at Esplanade.
The date coincides with the West Bengal government-organised carnival on Red Road, situated nearby, where prominent Durga Puja idols and decorations are showcased through processions and cultural events.
The ongoing agitation also prompted the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) to warn of a nationwide "complete shutdown of medical services" if any harm is caused to the protesting junior doctors.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mallikarjun Kharge family's Siddharth Vihar Trust decides to return 5 acres of land
Bengaluru: The Siddharth Vihar Trust, led by Rahul Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, has decided to return 5 acres of civic amenity (CA) land in Bengaluru's Aerospace Park. This decision follows a controversy over the allocation of the land to the trust.
Two days ago, the trust wrote to the government, requesting to return the allotted CA land. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) had earlier conducted the allocation process, during which 193 organisations applied for the land, and 43 were selected, including the Siddharth Vihar Trust. However, the allocation sparked criticism, leading to the current decision.
Today, Karnataka Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge clarified the decision during a press conference in Bengaluru, stating that the family’s trust would return the allotted site in light of the controversy.
The issue arose from allegations that the allocation process was improper. According to Priyank Kharge, Rahul Kharge was likely unaware of the allocation. He added, "Only three of us from the family are involved in politics. My elder brother is a soft-spoken individual who has expressed distress over the attacks our family has faced. On 29 September, he wrote to KIADB to return the land, stating that the allocation would be legally handed back."
Priyank further explained that Rahul Kharge had applied for the land in accordance with the rules and that it was allotted based on proper documentation. He emphasised that the allocation was legal and not rushed, adding, "Rahul Kharge, who is not well-known to the public, passed the UPSC exams and worked hard for his education. This is merely a political accusation, with no wrongdoing involved."
In his remarks, Priyank also criticised the BJP, stating that personal attacks on their family were ongoing and that "BJP leaders do not send their children to the RSS." He accused BJP leaders of consistently engaging in slanderous comments to tarnish their family’s reputation.
