Will continue to support women's rights: Jawhar Sircar after exit from TMC, says RG Kar incident a 'warning sign' for state govt

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 9 : After his exit from Trinamool Congress (TMC) Jawhar Sircar on Monday said his exit from politics will not weaken his commitment to his values and his advocacy for women's rights, adding, "Main rajneeti chodh raha hu lekin neeti nahin chodhunga" (I am leaving politics, but not my principles).
Speaking to ANI, Sircar said, "I am leaving the MP post, TMC, and politics. 'Main rajneeti chodh raha hu lekin neeti nahin chodhunga'. I continue to remain anti-communal; I continue to remain for women's rights."
"Whatever I say, it's impact will fall on TMC, and that is the tragic reason that I left TMC. You can't stay in a party and declare revolution," he added.
The TMC leader also questioned the inaction of authorities in the vandalism incident that took place on August 14, adding why no one has been prosecuted or arrested for the destructive acts till now, he asserted.
"I can't understand why there was no prosecution regarding the vandalism till date. Why doesn't the police arrest the vandals? Early action is what matters, once faith is lost, it becomes very difficult," he said.
Sircar expressed his confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying that she will emerge stronger.
"I'm sure that Mamata Banerjee, with so much of experience, will still regain the situation and come off. But the problem is people remember, and they do not forget. This is a highly political state, and the women's movement must lead to something positive. Women in Bengal are the most protected and empowered women. Why, even after being empowered, they are on the roads?. They want a new system. They should be respected," he said.
When asked about the opposition's demand for the president's rule in the state, Sircar said that this would be 'a stupid idea'.
"Being an opposition party in the state, they'll demand many things, but the president's rule will be a stupid idea, a foolish idea. All the movement will reverse if this happens," he said.
On being asked whether the ongoing protest can lead to collapse of the TMC government, he replied saying, "It's a warning sign. I just want the state government to pay attention to the protest and the demands of the people. The government has to do something to correct their mistake. If Mamata Banerjee talks to the young doctors, the protest will end tomorrow."
Sircar resigned on Sunday from the TMC party, expressing deep disappointment over the government's handling of the rape and murder of the trainee doctor in Kolkata as he urged the CM to take decisive action to "save the state."
The body of the trainee doctor was found in the seminar room of the RG Kar hospital on August 9. The incident sparked nationwide protests. A civic volunteer was arrested shortly after. The CBI also arrested Dr. Sandip Ghosh, for alleged financial misconduct at the medical establishment.