Mamata decries 'growing tendency' to attack her personally

Kolkata, March 30 (IANS) The West Bengal assembly Friday witnessed noisy scenes over a bill that seeks to restructure the state medical council, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the opposition Left Front of trying to disrupt proceedings in a 'concerted' manner.

"There can always be a discussion in a democracy, but the way things are being said is unwarranted and in bad taste. Regularly, in a planted way, we are being accused of being undemocratic which itself is an insult to democracy. This is not acceptable," said Banerjee in the assembly pointing to the opposition.

"Planted game is a planted game. It is always easy to make allegations, but equally hard to prove them," added Banerjee.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Anisur Rahman's accusation during the passing of the West Bengal Medical Council (Temporary Suppression Amendment) Bill 2012, that Banerjee was 'needlessly interfering' in all matters, prompted the chief minister to hit back.

She also said there was a growing tendency to attack her personally.

"Some people are trying to harm the democracy and the culture of the state which is neither fair nor acceptable. You cannot curb my right to speak as I do not represent your party. There is a tendency to attack me personally... Mamata can be an allergy for you, but not for the people," said Banerjee.

The virtually defunct West Bengal Medical Council has been disbanded and replaced by an ad-hoc committee that will remain in charge till 2015.

Headed by Tridib Banerjee, the chairman of the task force on infant mortality, the committee will have 10 members, including three government nominees. The medical council has not held its elections that were due in 2010. More than 300 cases of medical negligence are now pending before the council that has not been reviewing them for the last two years.

The Bill, which was passed in the Assembly Friday seeks to restructure the Council.