'No Split In Party': TMC's Saugata Roy Plays Down Removal Of Santanu Sen From Spokesperson's Post

RG Kar News: The removal of Santanu Sen as TMC spokesperson after his criticism of the Bengal Health Department in the wake of the RG Kar doctor's death doesn't indicate a split, said MP Saugata Roy.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy has dismissed the claims of a rift in the party after the removal of Santanu Sen as party spokesperson. He said: "There is no split in the party. Santanu Sen has a personal grudge, for which he is speaking up." Santanu Sen had earlier spoken against the state of affairs in West Bengal's health department amid the protests over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata a week ago. Sen also slammed Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar MCH.

TMC leader Santanu Sen, after his removal from the party spokesperson's post, said that he learned about the development through the media. "I have worked as a TMC soldier in every battle and I shall continue doing the same. Whenever I gave a statement as a spokesperson, I spoke neither against the party nor any leader... I maintain that news related to the Health Department is not sent accurately to CM and Health Minister Mamata Banerjee."

"It feels bad when leaders from other parties join ours or winning candidates from other parties join us and are given respect but a devoted and true soldier of the party has to face this. I was with TMC and will remain with TMC," he added.

'Kolkata Police Doing Everything It Can In RG Kar Case'

In an exclusive interaction with ABP News, Saugata Roy also brushed away all doubts and suspicions over the role of the Kolkata Police's probe in the Kolkata doctor death case. "People will always cast aspersions... The Kolkata Police is trying to do as much as it can. Now, the whole matter is in the hands of the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI is a professional investigative body and will get to the bottom of the truth."

He also dismissed the Opposition's allegation of "destruction of evidence". "West Bengal has so many medical colleges and there are thousands of women working there — from nursing staffers to doctors. It [RG Kar Hospital case] is a very sad incident and we are ashamed of it. No one is trying to erase evidence. The truth will emerge soon," Saugata Roy said.

Reacting to the BJP's protests and host of allegations, Saugata Roy said that the saffron party was just looking for an opportunity to target the TMC government in Bengal. "They got a jolt during the last elections. Now, they have just pounced on this opportunity... Moreover, the BJP has no influence among doctors," he said.

'Mamata Banerjee Needs To Be Take To The Streets'

Saugata Roy sought to explain Mamata Banerjee's decision to hit the streets over the RG Kar Hospital doctor death case. He said: "She [CM Mamata] needs to be on the streets because rumours and falsehoods are being spread. Those who are against Mamata Banerjee's government will say anything in the media and on social media platforms... The people are with her government," he said.

Earlier, reacting to Mamata Banerjee's decision to take to the streets, the BJP questioned that when the government and police machinery were under the CM, what was she protesting?