The Odisha Assembly faced turmoil as the Opposition, including Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress members, demanded Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s resignation following a fatal fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, claiming 12 lives. The lawmakers, holding placards and banners, disrupted proceedings, insisting on the minister’s resignation and the arrest of negligent officials.
Speaker Surama Padhy had to adjourn the House multiple times due to the chaos, with minimal functioning during the first half of Monday’s session. Despite an all-party meeting called by the Speaker to resolve the deadlock, no breakthrough was achieved, leading to the House being adjourned till 4 PM.
BJD MLA Sarada Jena criticized the government for its handling of the tragedy, accusing the administration of lacking transparency and shielding those responsible. He demanded the Health Minister’s immediate resignation and vowed to continue protests until accountability is established. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Santosh Khatua defended the administration’s response to the fire incident, highlighting the prompt actions taken and the formation of an enquiry committee for a fair investigation.
