Skip to main content

RG Kar saga: Towards liberation from the constraints of rigid political parties?

By Atanu Roy* 
There's a saying: "There is no such thing as a half-pregnancy." This adage seems particularly relevant when discussing the current regime of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party appears to be entrenched in widespread corruption that affects nearly every aspect of our lives. One must wonder, why would they exclude the health sector—a lucrative area where illicit money can flow freely, thanks to a network of corrupt leaders colluding with ambitious bureaucrats? 
The chilling conspiracy surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a vulnerable female doctor is circulating widely on social media platforms, raising alarm and concern. This horrific act reportedly took place within the supposedly secure environment of a government hospital under the direct oversight of TMC leadership. 
It seems that those responsible executed their crime with meticulous planning, utilizing medical knowledge while benefiting from protective oversight at the governmental level. 
Since 2003, a whistleblower has highlighted numerous instances of corruption at RG Kar Hospital, yet the hospital's head has continued to receive support from the ruling party and the health department.The pressing question now is: when will the truth come to light? What lies ahead? 
Back in the 1960s and early 1970s, revolutionaries adhered to Chairman Mao's belief that a revolutionary party was essential for successful change. However, it appears that such ideologies have been overshadowed by modern disillusionment with socialist aspirations. The collapse of Soviet communism and various Eastern European regimes illustrates a stark divide between hopes and actual outcomes. 
In our country, the effectiveness of disciplined political parties has proven lackluster, leaving a disappointing aftermath. Social Democratic entities like the CPI(M) (despite their self-identification as communists) have lost the trust of their former loyal supporters. 
Meanwhile, the right-leaning party, the BJP, is gradually losing public support. Consequently, West Bengal is witnessing a convergence towards liberal democracy, as ordinary citizens increasingly recognize the demagogues in power. The TMC too is experiencing a decline in its support base amidst its campaigns in the face of corruption, thuggery, and compromised intellectuals. 
This has led to a burgeoning sentiment among the populace, encapsulated in a simple mantra: “We no longer believe in political affiliations. Enough is enough; we seek liberation from the constraints of rigid political parties. Let's unite beyond colors.” 
There is undoubtedly a new wave of experimentation emerging—reminiscent of the anti-Emergency movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan. We await to see where this movement leads, the trajectory it follows, and the political shores it ultimately reaches. 
One can only hope this neo-convergence infuses new meaning into our daily lives and offers a glimpse of a brighter future. 
Long live the democratic movement of the people!
---
**Chartered accountant based in Singapore

Comments

TRENDING

US govt funding 'dubious PR firm' to discredit anti-GM, anti-pesticide activists?

By Our Representative  The Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) has vocally condemned the financial support provided by the US Government to what it calls questionable public relations firms aimed at undermining the efforts of activists opposed to pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India. 

Fostered by those in power, hatred 'hasn't been' part of Indian narrative

By Osman Sher*  It is strikingly ironic that the current climate of prevalent hate in India is fostered not by a disruptive fringe of society, but by those in power—individuals entrusted by the citizens to promote their welfare and foster peace and harmony. It is their responsibility to guide and nurture the populace as if they were their flock. 

Muslims 'reject' religious polarisation of Jamaat-e-Islami: Marxist victory in Kulgam, Kashmir

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  In the international sphere, an orgy of imperialist violence and wars on multiple fronts is unleashed on the world's population to divide people on religious and nationalist lines, destabilise peace, deepen crises, and control resources in the name of nationalism and religion. Under the guise of fighting Islamic terrorism and exporting the so-called market-led Western democracy, imperialist powers are ghettoising Muslims to control natural resources in various parts of Asia, as well as in Arab and Middle Eastern countries. 

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

NITI Aayog’s pandemic preparedness report learns 'all the wrong lessons' from Covid-19 response

Counterview Desk The Universal Health Organisation (UHO), a forum seeking to offer "impartial, truthful, unbiased and relevant information on health" so as to ensure that every citizen makes informed choices pertaining to health, has said that the NITI Aayog’s Report on Future Pandemic Preparedness , though labelled as prepared by an “expert” group, "falls flat" for "even a layperson". 

Modi govt distancing from Adanis? MoEFCC 'defers' 1500 MW project in Western Ghats

By Rajiv Shah  Is the Narendra Modi government, in its third but  what would appear to be a weaker avatar, seeking to show that it would keep a distance, albeit temporarily, from its most favorite business house, the Adanis? It would seem so if the latest move of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) latest to "defer" the Adani Energy’s application for 1500 MW Warasgaon-Warangi Pump Storage Project is any indication.

Can voting truly resolve the Kashmir issue? Past experience suggests optimism may be misplaced

By Raqif Makhdoomi*  In the politically charged atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir, election slogans resonated deeply: "Jail Ka Badla, Vote Sa" (Jail’s Revenge, Vote) and "Article 370 Ka Badla, Vote Sa" (Article 370’s Revenge, Vote). These catchphrases dominated the assembly election campaigns, particularly across Kashmir. 

NGO coalition criticises Odisha govt for 'abrupt closure' of PVTG nutrition programme

By Our Representative  A coalition of non-governmental organizations has condemned the Odisha government's decision to abruptly end a vital nutrition program for children of Primitive Tribal Groups (PVTG) communities. The program, which provided community-based creches and feeding centers, has been a lifeline for thousands of young children in the state.

Aiming to realize vision of Abua Raj in Jharkhand, campaign group unveils people's manifesto

By Our Representative  The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan has called on political parties committed to communal harmony and constitutional values to integrate the demands articulated in their manifesto, "Abua Jharkhand, Abua Raj," into their electoral platforms. The manifesto was announced at a press conference where the achievements and shortcomings of the Hemant Soren coalition government over the past five years were summarized.