Junior Doctors Finally Meet W Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Discussions Have Begun

After two unsuccessful rounds of negotiations, the protesting junior doctors in Kolkata have reached Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence for a third attempt at talks. This meeting has been described by the state government as the "fifth and final invitation for talks." Unlike the previous two instances, the doctors have made it past the doorway, and discussions have officially begun, according to sources.

Escorted by a pilot police vehicle, around 30 junior doctors arrived at Ms. Banerjee's home at 6:20 p.m., though the meeting, initially scheduled for 5 p.m., did not begin until 7 p.m. The previous two meetings, including one held on Saturday, had collapsed due to disagreements over whether the proceedings should be live-streamed or videographed, with the doctors demanding access to the video immediately afterward.

On both occasions, the doctors had reached the venue but left without participating in the discussions. During the first attempt, viral images showed the Chief Minister sitting alone in an empty meeting hall at the state secretariat, waiting for the doctors to arrive. On Saturday, cellphone footage circulated showing Ms. Banerjee inviting the doctors into her home for tea, even if they were unwilling to join the formal talks. However, the doctors declined, reiterating their demand for justice.

This time, most of the conditions have been agreed upon in advance and documented in writing to avoid any last-minute complications. The doctors have brought their own stenographers to record the minutes of the meeting, and all present will sign the document. The government will also make a video recording of the discussions.

Additionally, the doctors have insisted on taking time to return to the protest site and consult with their peers before responding to the government's proposals. They have made it clear that they are not willing to compromise on their five-point demands.

"We also want the issue to be resolved, but not at the cost of any form of compromise on our five demands. We are going to the meeting to discuss all the issues with an open mind," one of the protesting doctors participating in the meeting said.

The meeting represents a critical juncture in resolving the ongoing standoff, with both sides expressing a desire for resolution but maintaining firm positions on key issues.