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The tragic death of a trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata has ignited unprecedented unity among the city's fierce football rivals, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The scheduled 'Kolkata Derby,' a century-old rivalry with a passionate fan base, was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to concerns over potential protests. While police cited intelligence reports of possible violence, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of fearing mass demonstrations.
The cancellation sparked an outpouring of public anger and a rare display of solidarity. Thousands of supporters from both clubs converged near the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake, chanting slogans demanding justice for the deceased doctor. They set aside their longstanding rivalry, united in their grief and anger. The protests, despite police attempts to quell them, showcased a powerful display of public sentiment.
The unprecedented unity, captured in images of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan fans standing side-by-side, has become a symbol of the widespread outrage over the incident. The BJP, seizing the opportunity, has been vocal in criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's handling of the situation. The party has used the protests as a platform to further its political agenda, highlighting the incident as a failure of the ruling TMC.
The incident has also brought the functioning of RG Kar Hospital under intense scrutiny, with the principal being ousted and the case handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The gruesome crime has sparked a political war of words, with the ruling party and the opposition using the incident to score points. While the football derby itself was cancelled, the incident has brought the city together in a shared demand for justice, highlighting the deep-rooted public anger over the tragic death.
The 'Kolkata Derby,' despite India's low ranking in the FIFA standings, is a fixture steeped in history and folklore. The rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan has long been a part of Bengali identity, dividing families and communities. The unity displayed in the wake of the RG Kar incident is a testament to the power of shared grief and the potential for common purpose to bridge even the deepest divisions.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of healthcare workers and the accountability of institutions. The protests, while stemming from a tragic event, are a reflection of a broader public sentiment demanding justice and accountability. The unity displayed by the football fans is a powerful reminder that even in the face of longstanding rivalries, shared values and a desire for justice can bring people together.