The second part of the protest, Reclaim The Night may appear to be occupation of public space at night—both spatial and temporal space—but it has a wider meaning for the society. It is a manifestation of a women led people’s demand for justice not only for the poor woman victim but for womankind as a whole.Look at how women from all walks of life have hit the streets to ‘Reclaim’ seeking a guarantee for justice from government but also from society. Their pent-up anger against patriarchy in society also. The horrific rape-murder of the 31-year-old doctor was the trigger point for this wider issue.The protests are signs of people’s anger against the TMC government?It is a total societal movement happening. Else, how would one describe the participation of almost all sectors — from cab drivers to Swiggy delivery personnel, from common citizens to housewives, old and young—join the protests. The message is loud and clear —Bengal isn’t prepared to let culprits to go unpunished. It is a collective angst. It is a clear assertion of the people of Bengal that they will tolerate horrific rapes that happened in Hathras, Unnao or Kathua in Bengal.A Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh cannot be allowed in Bengal.In your resignation letter, you were very critical of the handling of the case. Please elaborate.I had differences with the party leadership. My approach is different. I would have jumped straight into the problem and opened dialogues and back channels, then talk and talk till a resolution is found.I remember an incident at Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College in 1979 when as an IAS officer I, despite repeated warning by fellow officers, I went straight in the college and engaged with the protesting students.I believe that both parties—the state government and the protesting doctors —must engage, talk to each other and find a solution. Only dialogues can resolve the situation.What next for you?I will continue to fight for the right causes. I will speak and write.
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