BJP, Opposition walk out saying BMC not serious about doctors’ strike

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition walked out of a standing committee meeting on Thursday alleging that the ruling Shiv Sena and the administration were not taking the doctors’ agitation seriously.

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition walked out of the civic body’s standing committee meeting on Thursday, alleging that the ruling Shiv Sena and the administration were not taking the doctors’ agitation seriously or spelling out an action plan.

Resident doctors protest outside KEM hospital on Thursday. (Bhushan Koyande)

On Thursday, members of the committee wanted municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta to give a statement on the floor of the house about what action the BMC is planning to take.

“But there was no statement made. We do not know what action the administration is taking. Meanwhile, patients in Mumbai are suffering,” said Manoj Kotak, the BJP group leader in the civic body.

Tensions between the Sena and BJP have continued after the elections, with the BJP saying it will take on the role of watchdog to ensure there is transparency in the working of the BMC.

Opposition members also hit out at the Sena about the doctors’ strike.

Congress corporator Ravi Raja said it was unfortunate that the commissioner was not at Thursday’s meeting.

“People know which party is serious about the issue by their statements. We have already said we will not let any committee function till the matter is resolved,” said Yashwant Jadhav, group leader of the Sena.

Resident doctors in the city and across the state have been protesting for four days, demanding better security for medical professionals after a series of attacks on doctors across the state in the past month.

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