Amid the deadlock in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal President, reiterated the party’s call for the immediate resignation of State Health Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, following the fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital’s Trauma Care ICU. Patnaik expressed dismay over the lack of visits by Union Ministers to the hospital nine days after the tragic incident on March 16 in Cuttack.
Patnaik criticized the absence of Union Ministers’ visits to the hospital, contrasting it with their response during a similar incident in a private medical college under his government. He emphasized the BJD’s unwavering demand for Dr. Mukesh Mahaling’s resignation, affirming the party’s commitment to continue its protest.
The Odisha Assembly faced disruptions as Congress and BJD members persisted in demanding the Health Minister’s resignation and action against the former superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital. Despite the Speaker’s efforts to maintain order, multiple adjournments were necessary due to the ongoing commotion, leading to the House’s eventual adjournment till 4 PM.
Notably, despite several all-party meetings called by the Speaker in recent days, no resolution has been reached. The BJD and Congress have obstructed House proceedings since March 17 in response to the SCB Hospital fire tragedy. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP accused the BJD of disrupting the House to deflect attention from the Biju-Naveen Inspirational Trust controversy, alleging wastage of taxpayers’ money.
