Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendushekhar Roy Resigns as Editor of Trinamool's 'Jago Bangla,' Adding to Party's Woes Amid RG Kar Medical Scandal

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 17 September 2024, Kolkata : In a development that has further unsettled the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendushekhar Roy has resigned from his position as the editor of the party's official mouthpiece Jago Bangla. His resignation comes at a time when the party is grappling with a public outcry over the RG Kar Medical College scandal, compounding its internal challenges.

Roy's decision, announced late on Monday night, marks another significant step toward his growing disassociation from the Trinamool Congress. In a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Roy formally stepped down, stating that his name should no longer be associated with the party's mouthpiece. His resignation is seen as a clear signal of his discontent with the party's handling of critical issues, particularly the RG Kar case.

Roy has been vocal in his criticism of the state government’s handling of the tragic events at RG Kar Medical College, where a young doctor was reportedly murdered and raped, sparking widespread protests among junior doctors. Roy was actively involved in the mass movement that began in response to the incident. On the night of August 14, he joined protestors on the streets, demanding swift justice and denouncing the government's inaction.

His public stand against the state administration's response to the scandal was seen as a point of friction between him and the Trinamool leadership. Sources suggest that his involvement in the protests contributed to the party distancing itself from him, as the state government faced increasing pressure to address the allegations of negligence and cover-ups.

The situation escalated further when Roy, in a bold move, took to social media to demand the arrest of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, whom he held responsible for the perceived mishandling of the RG Kar case. His post created a stir, drawing significant attention from both the public and political circles. In response, the Kolkata Police summoned him to Lalbazar for questioning, a move that many interpreted as retaliation for his dissent. Roy, however, approached the court, seeking legal protection and challenging the police's summons.

Roy's resignation from Jago Bangla and his vocal criticism of the state government have added to the Trinamool Congress’s mounting discomfort. The party, already facing public scrutiny over its handling of the RG Kar scandal, is now confronted with internal strife as prominent figures like Roy publicly question its policies.

With Roy's departure as editor and his increasingly independent stance, many political observers believe this could signal a larger rift between him and the Trinamool Congress. His actions are being viewed as a potential precursor to his formal separation from the party, which may have broader implications for West Bengal's political landscape.

As the RG Kar Medical scandal continues to unfold, and with Roy taking a firm stand against his own party, the Trinamool Congress is left navigating an increasingly volatile situation both within its ranks and in the public domain.