Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 09 November 2024
Bishnu Pada Ray, known for his straight forward approach, staged a dharna (protest) outside Raj Nivas on 8th November 2024, after being reportedly denied entry and finding the gate locked. His protest quickly garnered attention, and he was soon granted a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) later that day.
Following the meeting with the Lt. Governor, Ray addressed a press conference where he raised several pressing issues, particularly focusing on land diversion, land registration, and the functioning of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS).
Ray accused the administration of misleading the Parliament in response to questions he had raised. He expressed deep concerns over the land diversion issue, criticising the UT Administration’s handling of the matter and questioning their responses to his parliamentary queries. He also pointed out the ongoing suspension of land registration in the Islands, calling into question the administration’s motives behind halting this process.
In addition to land concerns, Ray highlighted issues with ANIIMS, suggesting that the institute’s management could be improved by transferring its operations to AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences). He emphasised that such a move would bring in better management, as well as qualified specialists and other medical professionals to improve healthcare services in the region.
In the press conference, Ray also revealed that during his meeting with the LG, both had agreed to take their concerns to the national level. They are planning to jointly meet with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister to address the issues affecting the Islands. The LG will arrange the appointment with the dignitaries for their upcoming discussions.