Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar announced his resignation from both the party and the Rajya Sabha on Sunday, citing dissatisfaction with the West Bengal government’s handling of the Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder case and concerns over corruption.
In his resignation letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the 72-year-old ex-bureaucrat criticized the government’s delayed response to the R G Kar Hospital incident and the insufficient actions taken against the situation. Sircar also expressed his intention to step down from his parliamentary role, stating that he no longer wishes to continue as an MP.
“I have endured the situation for a month, hoping for your direct intervention with the agitating junior doctors,” Sircar wrote. “However, the measures being implemented now are inadequate and too late. I appreciate the opportunity you provided me, but I am resigning from both the MP position and the party.”
In an interview with The Indian Express, Sircar elaborated on his decision, explaining that his resignation was driven by strong reservations about how the R G Kar case was managed. He criticized the TMC’s defense of the state government and the political responses to the situation, expressing a desire to return to civilian life and step away from politics.
Q: What led to your resignation from TMC and the Rajya Sabha?
A: My resignation is a personal decision. After serving as an MP for three years, I felt it was time to move on. My concerns about the handling of the R G Kar case were significant, and I believe the response could have been much better.
Q: Can you elaborate on your concerns about the case?
A: The way the situation has been managed is problematic. There has been a lot of political posturing, with TMC defending the state’s actions despite criticisms. I find this approach troubling, and it has influenced my decision to leave.
Q: How do you feel about the party’s stance on this issue?
A: The party’s stance seems politically motivated. While some party members, like Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, have voiced their concerns, there is a general tendency to avoid discussing these issues openly. I felt the need to take a drastic step to highlight the urgency of rectifying the situation.
Q: What sort of changes do you think are needed?
A: Immediate and significant rectification is required. This includes addressing the situation comprehensively, engaging directly with the doctors, and managing the public perception better. The prolonged agitation is harming both the party and the state.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: I plan to return to civil society. I intend to focus on writing and commenting on various issues. After spending 41 years in politics and student activism, I look forward to being a free individual and contributing to society in a different capacity.
