Doctors’ Hunger Strike Turns Kolkata’s Pujas into a Stage for Protest

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 9, 2024, Kolkata : In an unprecedented turn of events, this year’s Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata are being overshadowed by a hunger strike led by doctors protesting for better working conditions and increased healthcare funding. As tensions rise, doctors have pledged to continue their fast, declaring that their fight for justice will not be sidelined by the festive atmosphere.

On the sixth day of the ongoing protest, the striking doctors organized a special Parikrama, intended as both a demonstration and a way to reach the public during the festive season. However, the event quickly escalated into a heated confrontation between the protesters and police. Authorities reportedly halted the progress of the protest matadors—converted mini-vans used for transportation—near Chandni Chowk, sparking a heated exchange.

Despite the festive decorations and crowds that usually characterize this time of year, the atmosphere in Kolkata turned somber as queues formed at Chandni Chowk, not for puja rituals, but in support of the doctors’ cause. The streets were filled with the sounds of slogans echoing the demand for justice, as supporters rallied to voice their solidarity with the striking medical professionals.

The plan for the day included distributing leaflets at various puja mandaps across South Kolkata to raise awareness about their grievances. The doctors, determined to make their voices heard, boarded three matadors for the outreach effort, but soon found themselves impeded by police intervention. The situation escalated as more people flocked to the scene, amplifying the protest’s impact.

After a brief standoff, police relented under the pressure of the growing crowd, allowing the matador to proceed. Witnesses reported scenes of solidarity as individuals pushed the vehicle forward, united by the common goal of advocating for improved healthcare standards. “We want justice!” echoed through the streets, highlighting the urgency of their demands.

As the city celebrates one of its most beloved festivals, the juxtaposition of joy and protest paints a complex picture of Kolkata’s social landscape. The doctors’ hunger strike serves as a poignant reminder that amidst the festivities, critical issues regarding public health and safety are demanding immediate attention.

With the hunger strike continuing, the doctors remain resolute in their commitment to advocate for systemic change, urging the public and policymakers alike to address the pressing challenges facing the healthcare sector in West Bengal.