Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th September. The tragic rape and murder of a doctor from the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on the night of August 8, 2024, has shaken the nation to its core. What followed was not just an outcry for justice, but a full-fledged mass movement that transcended geographical boundaries and social classes. Citizens in West Bengal and across India took to the streets, voicing their anger and grief, and women led the charge in a symbolic ‘reclaim the night’ protest. On August 14, 2024, at the stroke of midnight, women from all walks of life filled the streets, lighting candles, blowing conch shells, and demanding justice for the doctor and an end to gender violence.
This movement is extraordinary not only because of its scale but also because it revealed an overwhelming, non-partisan response to injustice. This was not a political party-led movement; instead, it was spearheaded by civil society groups determined to force accountability from the government. Interestingly, political parties, sensing that people were distancing themselves from traditional party politics, began organizing rallies devoid of party flags, aligning themselves with the broader demand for justice. Yet, the essence of the protest remained independent of political affiliations, a testament to the frustration of citizens with the political class at large.
The Rise of Pressure Groups and Their Role
One of the most striking features of this movement is the emergence of what can be termed ‘pressure groups.’ These non-party civil society organizations have taken center stage, working to expose corruption and demand impartial investigation into the doctor’s murder. Unlike political parties, whose ultimate goal is to seize power, pressure groups focus on addressing specific grievances and forcing the government to act. They are non-political in structure but are inherently political in function, as they confront governmental actions and policies head-on.
The question now is: What will happen once justice is served? Will these groups, which have risen in response to a particular injustice, dissolve after achieving their goal? Or, will they transform into something more enduring?
The Need for a Third Alternative
The movement in West Bengal offers an opportunity to think beyond the traditional binaries of political parties and fleeting protest groups. If these pressure groups unite, they could form a statewide civil society organization capable of keeping a continuous vigil on government activities. This organization would not seek power but would work to ensure that power remains accountable to the people. It could act as both a watchdog and a collaborator with the government, supporting policies that benefit the people while fiercely opposing corruption, mismanagement, and exploitation.
This movement has already shone a spotlight on issues beyond the horrific crime, such as corruption in state-run institutions like R.G. Kar Medical College, syndicate-controlled sectors, and systemic extortion. These are battles that require sustained attention, and a united civil society organization can play a critical role in addressing these challenges in a non-violent, constructive manner. As history has shown, non-violent mass movements have the potential to bring about far-reaching change. They are harder for governments to suppress and gain wider social legitimacy.
Conclusion: A Call for Civil Society Leadership
The multi-party parliamentary system in India, despite its flaws, remains preferable to any form of totalitarianism. However, it is clear that traditional political parties are not enough to safeguard the interests of the people. Civil society must step up—not as a replacement for government, but as a force that empowers people to hold those in power accountable. A broad-based, non-party civil society organization can serve as a ‘Servant of the People,’ working for the betterment of society and ensuring that power remains rooted in the hands of the people, not political elites.
This is a pivotal moment. The heinous crime that spurred this movement has also opened the door for a new form of activism—one that transcends party lines and focuses on the greater good. The challenge now is to sustain this momentum, channel the energy of these pressure groups into constructive, lasting change, and ensure that the movement remains peaceful and just. If done right, this could mark the beginning of a new era of civil society-led governance, where the real power lies not in the hands of political parties or government machinery, but in the people themselves.
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