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

India's 55.6% still can't afford healthy diet, yet food wastage a serious issue

By Vikas Meshram  According to this year's 'State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World' report, India has the highest number of malnourished people in the world, with a staggering 195 million affected. This report, prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, was published jointly by five UN agencies, including UNICEF. The report also highlights a slight improvement in India's statistics: between 2004-06, the number of malnourished people in the country was 240 million. 

TU activist Anirudh Rajan, lawyer Ajay Kumar in custody: Wounded reputation of world's largest democracy?

By Vedika S*  Over the last few days, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), known to be tasked with suppressing revolutionary, democratic, and progressive forces, conducted a series of raids across Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Targets included human rights attorney Pankaj Tripathi, student leader Devendra Azad, and peasant union leader Sukhwinder Kaur. Lawyer and anti-displacement activist Ajay Kumar was arrested and taken to his home in Mohali, which was subsequently raided. He is now imprisoned in Lucknow as a suspect in the NIA's "Northern Regional Bureau (NRB) Revival case." 

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah*   The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual. 

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.

Damaging signal sent to various levels of judiciary? Modi at religious function at CJI's residence

Counterview Desk  The civil rights group, National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR), has expressed its "grave concern" over the Prime Minister’s recent presence at a religious event at the Chief Justice of India's residence, underlining, "Independence of Judiciary from Executive must be ensured in all circumstances".

Impact of global warming? Asia's 61% population 'deprived of clean water'

By Vikas Meshram*  A recent study from Utrecht University in the Netherlands warns that climate change and socio-economic transformations will exacerbate water scarcity, disproportionately affecting populations in South Asian countries. Human beings require clean water for drinking, sanitation, food production, energy, and manufacturing. Across the globe, people and policymakers are grappling with the challenges of water scarcity. 

Trailblazer in literary innovation, critic of Indian mythology, including Ramayana

By Harsh Thakor*  Ranganayakamma, commonly known as RN, stands out as a transformative figure in promoting Marxist thought, democratic ideals, and anti-caste principles through her remarkably clear and engaging writing style. A trailblazer in literary innovation, her works span a broad array of topics, from critiques of Indian mythology and revivalism to discussions on civil liberties, the Indian Communist Movement, and Maoism in China. 

Unwavering source of ideological inspiration in politics, life: Personal tribute to Yechury

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Sitaram Yechury was everyone's comrade. He lived his life in public like an open book of praxis. Everyone was familiar with his family background, student life, many talents, achievements, and political journey that defines his everyday life as a committed communist.