Jawhar Sircar, Member of Parliament (MP) from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former Cultural Secretary of India, has declared resigning. His decision stems from growing dissatisfaction over the ongoing dispute at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Sircar, a former CEO of Prasar Bharati and Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, has expressed his displeasure with how the issue is being handled by both the college administration and his party leadership.
Sircar’s resignation, once formalised, will likely create ripples across political circles, especially within the TMC, where internal dissent appears to be rising. As a Rajya Sabha MP, Sircar holds significant influence within the party, and his decision to step down sends a clear message of discontent regarding handling the RG Kar Medical College issue. His departure may also prompt discussions about leadership decisions within the TMC, particularly its stance on educational and administrative disputes in West Bengal.
As per edexLive reports, the controversy at RG Kar Medical College revolves around the contentious appointment of a new principal, which has divided the institution into competing factions. The internal conflict has dragged on for several months, causing administrative deadlock and impacting the college’s academic and medical services. The ongoing case is under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver a ruling shortly.
Political analysts view Sircar’s resignation as a significant development, highlighting broader concerns about managing critical institutions under the TMC’s governance. Several TMC leaders have privately voiced their concerns over the situation at RG Kar Medical College. Sircar’s decision to publicly dissociate himself from the matter may encourage others to speak out.
Sircar’s announcement coincides with the Supreme Court’s active involvement in the case, with the court reviewing petitions related to the principal’s appointment. The court’s intervention is widely seen as a critical step toward resolving the conflict, but Sircar’s resignation suggests that dissatisfaction with handling the issue runs deep. As the situation develops, the political fallout from Sircar’s resignation could have long-term implications for the TMC, particularly in West Bengal, where the party's leadership has faced increasing criticism over its management of state institutions.