Bengal’s name being tarnished, it’s time to end stir now, says Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee invoked the state's Durga Puja economy on Monday while urging people to "return to festivities" after a month of protests over the RG Kar hospital rape-murder, saying livelihoods had already taken a hit because of "political opportunists trying to replicate the Bangladesh unrest".

"Bengal's reputation is being tarnished... People who have studied and grown up here are now spreading misinformation after moving away..." she said after the govt's first administrative review since the crime.

The CM said it was now time for the agitation to end and CBI to "expedite the judicial process". She also said, "Staying out on the streets every night causes problems for others. There are many elderly people; loudspeakers disturb their sleep. There are regulations governing the use of microphones after 10pm, but we have ignored everything. It's been a month now."

Mamata said a social media campaign urging people not to celebrate Durga Puja reflected how the outrage over the Aug 9 rape-murder was being allegedly misused by some. "Livelihoods hinge on how the festival season goes," she said.

The CM also spoke up for Kolkata Police, saying the force had "managed" law and order with restraint: "They have been beaten and bloodied, but have not done the same to others."

Mamata said city police commissioner Vineet Goyal, whose resignation many have been demanding, met her a week ago and said he wanted to quit. She said letting him go was not an option at this stage for administrative reasons as "the festival (Durga Puja) is approaching (Oct 9-13)". She added, "Why not show some patience for a few days? Do you decide on everyone who needs to be changed? You can make 10 demands. I may fulfil them. But I may not fulfil five others."

Mamata said a social media campaign urging people not to celebrate Durga Puja reflected how the outrage over the Aug 9 rape-murder was being allegedly misused by some

Meanwhile, Junior doctors protesting the Aug 9 RG Kar hospital rape-murder intend to continue their agitation at least until 5pm Tuesday, SC's deadline for them to resume work or face possible action, and decide what to do next based on "the ground situation and the state's moves".

Doctors' associations said they were "disheartened" by the SC's stand. A general body meeting of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front postponed taking a decision on whether to call off the strike or defy SC's directive. Doctors' groups said they were watching the emerging situation with a sense of unease.