‘Democracy declining’ in Bengal, says Governor after meeting women doctors, others at Raj Bhavan

“In West Bengal, democracy is declining… This cannot continue. Today, we must vow to protect our daughters and sisters… Our society should be one where women feel safe and content… Now is the time for all men to correct our mistakes,” Bose said during the meeting.

“The delegates expressed solidarity with the medical professionals and the protesting masses across the State and the country,” read a statement by the Raj Bhawan, adding that the Governor briefed the delegates on steps he has taken, including his field visit to the hospital and monitoring the situation.

“The delegation expressed their anguish at what had transpired at the RG Kar Medical College and the subsequent botched administrative and law enforcement steps that have clearly failed to measure up to the occasion,” the statement added.

It read that the people he met insisted on taking the investigations “on the right track” to ensure women’s dignity, safety, and security, particularly that of medical professionals.

The Governor’s strong criticism follows the shocking rape and murder of a student at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Under mounting pressure, Governor Bose had announced on Sunday night that he called for an emergency meeting with various sections of people in West Bengal to discuss the case and gather opinions on the government’s response.

His decision came after Rajya Sabha MP and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared a letter on X urging West Bengal’s Chief Minister and Governor to take immediate action.

“With deep anguish over the delay in justice for the Kolkata rape and murder victim, an incident that has shaken the conscience of all of us, I have penned a heartfelt plea to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. @MamataOfficial Ji, and Hon’ble @BengalGovernor, urging them to act swiftly and decisively,” Singh wrote on X.

In response, the Governor had posted on X, “HG’s swift action on the letter from Shri Harbhajan Singh expressing his anguish over the tragic incident at R.G. Kar Medical College. HG has called an emergency meeting of a cross-section of Bengal society to apprise them of the action taken in the matter and to take stock of their opinions in this regard. (sic)”

The Governor’s words at the meeting have sparked a fresh wave of criticism against the state government.