Buddhadeb condolence meet decries Kolkata doc's murder

Kolkata, Aug 23: The tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata took centre stage during a condolence meeting for the late Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal and a prominent Left leader. Bhattacharjee passed away on August 8, at the age of 80, after a prolonged illness.

The memorial gathering, held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, concluded with a powerful slogan: “Ei Sharanshobhar Ektai Shwor, Justice for RG Kar” (This commemoration gathering had just one voice — Justice for RG Kar).

Speaking at the event, CPI-M politburo member and state Secretary Md Salim, who was the final speaker, drew a parallel between the ongoing demand for justice and Bhattacharjee's last public address in 2015 at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. “Our late leader emphasised the need to fight and win battles. Today, we continue that fight,” said Salim. The crowd of hundreds of party workers responded in unison: “Justice for RG Kar.”

Salim also reflected on Bhattacharjee's vision for West Bengal, highlighting his aspirations for the industrial rejuvenation of the state. “His dream was to build a new Bengal and make the next generation self-reliant,” he added.

Former minister Surjya Kanta Mishra, who served in Bhattacharjee’s Left Front Cabinet, shared memories of the late leader’s resolve during his frequent hospitalisations in recent years. “He always insisted on being discharged early, reasoning that it was his life to decide upon. I would remind him that his life also belonged to the party, and sometimes he would accept that,” Mishra recalled.

Meera Bhattacharjee, the former Chief Minister's wife, was also present at the memorial. Despite requests from CPI-M leaders to join them on the main dais, she chose to sit among the audience.

Bhattacharjee had been suffering from respiratory issues for some time, which led to several hospital stays. His health took a turn for the worse last year after contracting pneumonia, and he was placed on life support.

An alumnus of Presidency College, Bhattacharjee began his career as a school teacher before entering politics full-time. After serving as an MLA and a state minister, he rose to the position of Deputy Chief Minister. In 2000, he succeeded Jyoti Basu as Chief Minister, leading the Left Front to electoral victories in 2001 and 2006.

The call for justice for the junior doctor resonated strongly throughout the memorial, intertwining with the remembrance of Bhattacharjee's legacy, and underscoring a continued fight for both justice and the fulfilment of his vision for West Bengal.