The political landscape of Rajasthan is currently witnessing a major storm centered around the PBM Hospital in Bikaner. The situation has become a focal point of intense debate and controversy, involving a delicate medical crisis on one side and aggressive political posturing on the other, while while six women are fighting for their lives inside the hospital following complications from Cesarean section (C-section) deliveries, the outside environment is charged with police action and sharp verbal exchanges between political leaders. The sensitivity of the matter was further heightened by a controversial statement made by the State Medical and Health Minister, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, which has triggered a significant political backlash across the state.
The Medical Crisis: Six Women in Critical Condition
The roots of this controversy trace back to Wednesday when the health of 6 women suddenly deteriorated following C-section surgeries at Bikaner's largest medical facility, PBM Hospital. These patients began experiencing severe complications, specifically related to kidney functions, raising alarms about the medical procedures or the environment within the surgical units, while as the news of their worsening condition spread, the hospital administration quickly formed an investigation committee to look into the matter. In response to the growing public concern, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar scheduled a visit to Bikaner to assess the situation firsthand and review the hospital's arrangements.
The Controversial Remark: 'Did They Come Dancing or Sick?'
On Thursday, during his visit to the Post-Covid ICU ward of the hospital, Minister Khimsar was confronted by the media regarding the deteriorating health of the 6 women and the alleged mismanagement at the facility. Under pressure from the questioning, the Minister made a remark that has now become the center of the controversy. Pointing towards the Principal of the Medical College, Dr. " This statement, captured on camera, was immediately perceived as insensitive and mocking towards the suffering of the patients and their families.
Hanuman Beniwal Slams the Government
The Minister's comment quickly went viral, providing the opposition with a potent tool to attack the ruling government, while hanuman Beniwal, the chief of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and Nagaur MP, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led administration. Taking to social media and tagging Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Beniwal expressed his outrage. He stated that such an insensitive comment can't be expected from a person who holds the responsibility for the health of the state's mothers and sisters, while he further added that this reflects the mindset of the BJP government towards motherhood and the respect of women. Beniwal accused the Minister of being "intoxicated by power" and mocking the pain of the public, demanding that the Chief Minister break his silence and ensure a public apology from the Minister.
Protests and Police Lathi-Charge Outside PBM Hospital
While the political war of words escalated, the situation on the ground at PBM Hospital turned volatile. During the Minister's visit, Youth Congress workers organized an indefinite sit-in protest outside the hospital gates, demanding accountability. The situation spiraled out of control when protesters attempted to enter the hospital premises. To disperse the crowd, the police resorted to a lathi-charge. The confrontation at the main gate involved heavy pushing and shoving with female Congress workers, resulting in several women falling on the road, while the police detained several individuals, including the District President of Youth Congress, Bhanwar Kukna, to bring the situation under control.
Ashok Gehlot Condemns the Incident
The police action against the protesters provided the Congress party with further ammunition to target the government. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot termed the lathi-charge incident as shameful and unfortunate. He alleged that instead of fixing accountability and addressing its failures, the state government is attempting to suppress the voice of the opposition through the use of force. As the political drama continues to unfold, the health of the 6 women remains critical, and the investigation into the medical complications is still underway. The incident has left the state government in a defensive position as it faces heat from both the RLP and the Congress.