Massive chaos persists in the Odisha Assembly due to the opposition parties’ uproar over the recent fire tragedy at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where 12 patients lost their lives. The disruptions in the Assembly were fueled by demands for the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and action against SCB Medical College and Hospital officials for alleged negligence.
The Assembly session began with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida proposing a motion of condolence for the late Narayan Sahu, a former MLA and MP. The motion, seconded by various leaders including Naveen Patnaik and Rama Chandra Kadam, led to a moment of silence in memory of Sahu. However, opposition members quickly turned the focus to protesting near the Speaker’s podium during the Question Hour, resulting in multiple adjournments.
The opposition’s protests, ongoing since March 17, escalated as they took to the streets in Bhubaneswar, intensifying their demands for the health minister’s resignation. Leaders and supporters from 10 opposition parties, including BJD and Congress, participated in the demonstrations at PMG Square. Senior BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra criticized the alleged lapses at SCB Medical College and Hospital, highlighting concerns over patient safety and government accountability in the healthcare system.
