Tuesday, September 10, 2024

People are moving, what is the movement? Where will the poor go?

The movement's passion has dwindled to a mere breath of cold air, rather than a spark. Non-political activities surge on Saturdays and Sundays, the condition of ordinary people like 'Kalgham Chote'. However, on the way back home, commuters express skepticism about impromptu mobile phone light displays, questioning if it's a fashionable display in the name of the movement. At the end of the parade, so-called protesters urge others to "Send the pictures," but doubts arise among them as people seem to be losing interest. Some question if the movement truly sought justice for the deceased boy from Konnagar or if it's just a display. The movement is causing a rift, with debates ongoing in WhatsApp and Facebook groups. The politicization and lack of empathy in the movement concern conscientious citizens, who urge others not to categorize it as political activism again. Some criticize the movement for devolving into a mere show of logos and designer clothes, portraying it as an attempt to signal allegiance to a political party. Yet, few comprehend the gravity of the situation or take to the streets. The marginalized voices are missing. Some believe that domestic helpers and rickshaw pullers have been mobilized and put on the streets after months, while those from that class express frustration at their own struggles. Amidst this, the tears of Konnagar's mother at RG Kar Hospital lay bare the alleged medical negligence in the death of the 27-year-old, evoking empathy even from those uninvolved in politics. Their sense of vulnerability has prompted internal conflicts and silenced many protesters. One individual emphasizes that their movement does not aim to bring tears to any mother's eyes. Families from Patharpratima, Murshidabad, leaving the government hospital in the city in tears, feel neglected by the urban elders, prompting them to join the opposition's ranks. Nevertheless, the division continues to widen.

LightBlog