Doctor model removed from puja pandal after CM prod, protests

A controversial clay model resembling a doctor and taking money in the crowd puller Mohammed Ali Park Durga Puja pandal would be removed after being prodded by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The model donning a white apron and a stethoscope has been kept beside 'mahisasura', the buffalo demon slain by the goddess.
It has triggered protests from the medical fraternity following which the organisers put up a notice that the model represents 'fake doctors' only.
However, the chief minister asked the organisers to replace the model with another one.
"The CM has personally requested me to replace it with any other model. She said even if we put up a notice that we only meant fake doctors, it is advisable if such an apron- wearing model is not put up at all," puja committee chairman Dinesh Bajaj told PTI.

"We will show respect to her wish and act accordingly. An emergency meeting of the puja committee will now decide about the new model to be put at the same place. It should be in sync with our main theme to create public awareness about social evils and ways to fight these evils," he said.

Bajaj had earlier said the controversy erupted after pictures of the model were taken before the decoration completed and spread via social media.
"So we have put up a notice board before the model which reads 'Hatred for fake doctors who are like demons and Respect for the real doctors," he said.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) member Dr Sajal Biswas said, "Durga puja is a festival of harmony where lakhs of people assemble. Such a model will create wrong impression about doctors who share a unique, human bonding with patients. We wish the model is removed and necessary action taken."
IMA West Bengal unit Secretary Santanu Sen said, "It would have been appropriate if the model was removed. The puja committee should also make the issue clear that they are only referring to fake doctors and making a distinction. They should put up hoardings, posters and notices around the puja pandal area to make the distinction."

Bajaj, however, said that the issue has been sorted out with the IMA and Medical Council of India that had contacted the organisers to seek assurances that the medical profession would not be maligned in puja decorations.
The issue also triggered protests in the social network.