Spontaneous public movements, driven by genuine grievances, have long been a powerful force for change. However, they often become vulnerable to hijacking by politically motivated groups, which can derail their original goals.

The ongoing protests in Kolkata, sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a young lady doctor while on duty at the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital on the 9th of August 2024, highlight how a genuine, spontaneous fight for justice can become entangled in confusion and competing agendas. Various groups, each with their own motives, are attempting to hijack the movement, diluting its original purpose by pushing their political objectives, while justice for the victim remains delayed.

The Rise of the RG Kar Movement

The RG Kar Medical College protests, sparked by the tragic rape and murder of a young resident doctor, began as a spontaneous outcry against the deep-rooted issues plaguing the healthcare sector while seeking justice for the heinous crime in the hospital premises. This movement quickly gained public support as it highlighted issues that resonated with both the medical community and the broader public, including the importance of better healthcare infrastructure and fair treatment of healthcare professionals.

What initially set the RG Kar protests apart was their grassroots nature. These protests were not organized by political parties or leaders with personal agendas; rather, they emerged to set the RG Kar protests apart from the frustrations of people directly affected by the ongoing issues. The demand for justice was clear, the voices were united, and the goal was to seek accountability from those in power.

Vulnerability to Political Hijacking

However, as with many spontaneous movements, the lack of a formal leadership structure at the RG Kar movement made the protest vulnerable to interference. With no single leader or organization to define the movement’s objectives or negotiate on its behalf, various interest groups saw an opportunity to infiltrate and steer the protests toward their own political ends.

In Kolkata, where political dynamics are complex and deeply entrenched, it is not uncommon for movements to be co-opted by parties or factions looking to capitalize on popular discontent. As the RG Kar movement gained momentum, groups with different motivations began to involve themselves. Some sought to use the platform to promote political ideologies unrelated to the core demands, while others wanted to exploit the chaos to create further instability.

The Consequences of Hijacking

When politically motivated groups hijack spontaneous movements, the focus often shifts from the original demands to issues that serve the interests of those groups. In the case of RG Kar, this is leading to a dilution of the core message. What began as a push for justice and better conditions in healthcare is now becoming a fragmented protest with conflicting narratives. The more time passes without clear resolutions, the more confusion spreads among the public. Is this movement still about healthcare reform, or has it become another battleground for political competition?

The delays in addressing the protesters’ demands only exacerbate the situation. The longer the government or administration takes to respond to the genuine concerns of the medical community, the more space it creates for competing groups to step in and manipulate the movement. As the message becomes more scattered, the public may lose sight of the original reasons for the protests, weakening the overall impact of the movement.

The Role of Media & Public Perception

Media coverage plays a significant role in shaping public perception of such protests. In the case of RG Kar, media outlets have reported on the involvement of various political groups, often highlighting the divisions within the movement rather than the core issues. This can further erode the unity of the protesters and obscure the real purpose of the demonstrations. Public support for the movement may wane as confusion grows over who is leading it and what it is truly about.

The Need for Clear Leadership

To prevent spontaneous movements from being hijacked, establishing clear leadership and defined goals early on is crucial. In the absence of formal leaders, even well-meaning protests can become chaotic, giving opportunistic groups a chance to insert themselves into the narrative. The RG Kar movement shows the importance of maintaining focus on the original objectives and ensuring that the voices of those directly affected are heard above the noise of external interference.

Without swift action from authorities to address the legitimate concerns of the RG Kar protesters, the movement risks losing its way. Justice delayed in this case is not only justice denied; it also creates an environment ripe for confusion and political manipulation. The longer it takes to resolve these issues, the more likely it is that the movement will become unrecognisable from what it once stood for.

Conclusion

The ongoing protests in Kolkata, sparked by the horrific rape and murder of a young lady doctor while on duty at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, serve as a microcosm of a larger issue plaguing spontaneous movements worldwide. Without formal leadership and swift responses from authorities, these movements are easily hijacked by politically motivated groups, leading to confusion and a loss of direction. For the RG Kar protesters, the fight for justice is still ongoing, but time is of the essence. The more delayed the resolution, the greater the risk that the movement will fracture, leaving its original demands unmet and its supporters disillusioned.

I fully support this genuine movement and urge an immediate resolution of the case, with the courts delivering a fitting punishment that can act as a deterrent to such heinous crimes. Additionally, the government must take specific, achievable, result-oriented, and time-bound actions to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the healthcare sector, ensuring safety and dignity for those who serve on the frontlines.