The West Bengal government has turned down the demands of protesting doctors who sought a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to address the month-long standoff following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The doctors had requested a live broadcast of the meeting and the inclusion of a 30-member delegation, which the government refused.

Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, in a statement on Wednesday, reaffirmed the government's willingness to engage in dialogue with the doctors but hinted that "political forces" could be fueling the protests. The doctors dismissed these claims and pledged to continue their agitation until their demands were met.

Earlier, the state government had referred to a Supreme Court directive instructing the protesting doctors to resume duties by September 10. In response, the government extended an invitation for a meeting at the state secretariat, Nabanna, asking the doctors to send a delegation of 12 to 15 representatives. It remained unclear whether Chief Minister Banerjee would attend the meeting.

Rejecting the doctors' conditions, Bhattacharya said, "We were hopeful they would participate in the meeting, but no discussion can take place under so many terms. We waited with an open mind, but they did not take any steps toward resolving the issue."

She urged the doctors to return to work and restore medical services, emphasizing the public health crisis caused by their absence. Bhattacharya did not comment on potential government action against doctors for missing the Supreme Court's deadline.

The doctors reiterated their desire for a quick resolution but accused the government of not being supportive and questioned why their demands for transparency were rejected.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir warned of counter-protests, citing the loss of lives due to the ongoing agitation. Another Trinamool leader, Chandan Mukhopadhyay, labeled the protesting doctors as "anti-national" for defying the Supreme Court's order.

As the protest entered its 33rd day, doctors continued to demand justice for the victim, improved security for women healthcare workers, and the suspension of senior officials, including Kolkata’s Police Commissioner. A scheduled meeting of medical college principals and directors, previously set to be chaired by Chief Minister Banerjee on Thursday, was postponed due to "emergency work."