New Delhi: After two unsuccessful attempts to hold talks with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the protesting junior doctors in Kolkata arrived at her Kalighat residence for a third round of negotiations. The state government has labelled this as the “fifth and final invitation for discussions”. Unlike previous attempts, the doctors have managed to enter the residence and talks have officially began, according to reports.
Meeting began at 7pm
A group of around 30 doctors, escorted by a police pilot vehicle, arrived at Mamata’s residence at 6.20pm, though the meeting scheduled for 5pm finally began at 7pm. The two prior meetings, including the most recent one on Saturday, collapsed due to disagreements over whether the proceedings should be broadcast live or videographed, with the recording provided to the doctors at the conclusion of the talks.
On both occasions, the doctors arrived at the venue but left without entering negotiations. The first meeting saw viral images of the chief minister seated alone in a meeting hall at the state secretariat, waiting for the doctors’ delegation.
On Saturday, videos emerged of Mamata inviting the doctors into her home for tea, even if they were unwilling to participate in the discussions. The doctors, however, declined, insisting they were seeking justice. This time most conditions for the meeting have been agreed upon in writing, reducing the risk of any last-minute disputes. The doctors have brought their own stenographers to document the proceedings and the minutes will be signed by all attendees. The government will also video record the meeting.
‘Will not compromise on their five-point demand’
The doctors have stipulated that they will return to the protest site to deliberate with their colleagues before giving a response to the government’s proposals. They have also firmly reiterated that they will not compromise on their five-point demand.
“We also wish for a resolution to the issue, but not at the expense of any compromise on our five demands. We are approaching the meeting with an open mind to discuss all the issues,” one of the protesting doctors involved in the meeting told news agency PTI.