Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Oct 8: Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy has publicly targeted Health Minister Banna Gupta in a statement dated October 8, 2024, following the emergence of a controversial FIR that Gupta claims is a fabrication. This FIR, which has gone viral on social media, has led to significant scrutiny, prompting the Superintendent of Police in Ranchi to initiate an investigation to trace its origins. In light of these developments, Roy is calling for a judicial inquiry, asserting that Gupta is trying to entangle him in a political conspiracy by alleging that the individuals named in the FIR, filed at the Kadma police station in Jamshedpur, are connected to him.
Roy’s statements are particularly scathing, as he accuses Gupta of attempting to garner sympathy by presenting himself as a champion of backward classes. “In the past month alone, Gupta has ordered the demolition of homes belonging to approximately 100 footpath shopkeepers in Jamshedpur, many of whom are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” he noted. This action, he argues, is a stark contradiction to his claims of supporting marginalized communities. Roy also recalled the controversial closure of the Save-PP hospital during the COVID pandemic, where he claims that Gupta’s actions led to the unjust jailing of Dr. O.P. Anand, the chief physician of the hospital. Roy emphasized that Dr. Anand, also a member of the backward class, was wronged, a situation that escalated to the High Court and ultimately resulted in a ruling in Anand’s favour, leaving the government in a compromised position.
In addition to his accusations regarding Gupta’s treatment of small business owners and healthcare providers, Roy expressed deep concerns about the management of MGM Hospital, which he alleges has become a personal fiefdom for Gupta. “Gupta has positioned one of his representatives in a prominent office directly opposite the hospital superintendent’s room, creating an environment where mismanagement is swept under the rug,” Roy stated. He described the conditions faced by patients, emphasizing that they are being denied adequate medical treatment, a situation he claims reflects broader systemic issues in healthcare across Jharkhand.
Roy also addressed Gupta’s criticisms regarding his environmental activism related to the Swarnarekha River, which Gupta insinuated has been used as leverage against industrial entities. Roy countered by highlighting his ongoing efforts to improve water quality, noting that Tata Steel and the JNAC are currently working to establish sewage treatment plants to mitigate pollution. “It’s my relentless pursuit that has led to significant improvements in the Damodar River’s water quality, making it safe for bathing and drinking,” he asserted.
In a final, powerful condemnation, Roy depicted Gupta’s political manoeuvres as driven by personal financial interests rather than genuine public service. He urged the state government to prioritize accountability and transparency in healthcare management, insisting that the pressing issues affecting the health sector in Jamshedpur and beyond cannot be overlooked any longer. The implications of Roy’s statements could resonate throughout the political landscape, sparking further debate over the effectiveness and integrity of the current administration in addressing the critical needs of the community.
