The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly condemned the tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMC&H) in Cuttack that claimed 13 lives on March 16, 2026, describing it as the deadliest fire in the history of government hospitals in Odisha and a result of gross government negligence under the BJP administration.
At a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan, Senior Vice President and former Health Minister Debi Prasad Mishra and Vice President and former Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, demanded the immediate resignation of the Health Minister on moral grounds. They accused the government of failing to implement fire safety measures despite directives from the Orissa High Court.
Debi Prasad Mishra highlighted that fire safety systems were non-functional in 33 hospital buildings, including the trauma centre. He criticised the delay in submitting the Chief Minister-ordered departmental inquiry report, which was supposed to be filed within 24 hours. “The administration has not learned any lessons from past incidents,” he said, adding that the Health Minister’s preoccupation with political activities amid the grief of affected families is condemnable.
Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak stated that the appointment of the SCB Superintendent violates National Medical Commission rules and alleged political influence in appointments. He demanded the arrest of the SCB Superintendent and Additional Superintendent for criminal negligence and called for a comprehensive health safety audit, which has not been conducted since the BJP came to power.
BJD Spokesperson, Dr Lenin Mohanty, in a statement, condemned the government’s attempt to shift responsibility onto junior officials as a “diversionary tactic” and an “eyewash.” He raised serious questions about the failure of critical fire safety systems, including non-functional sprinklers and alarms, and demanded a fair, transparent inquiry fixing accountability at the highest level. He also called for an examination of the role of the Director General of Fire Services.
The BJD has demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the deceased, early submission of the inquiry report, and immediate activation of fire safety measures in all government hospitals.
The conch party expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and warned that it would take to the streets to demand accountability if no improvement is seen in healthcare safety in the coming days.
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BJD Condemns Bahalda Molestation; Slams Police Inaction on Tribal Minor
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly condemned the molestation of a 14-year-old tribal minor girl in Bhinjhua village near Bahalda, Mayurbhanj district, on March 12, 2026.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, BJD Mayurbhanj-2 President Dr Debashis Marandi and Spokesperson Dr Priyabrata Majhi alleged a sharp rise in crimes against tribal women since the BJP government assumed power in Odisha.
They criticised police inaction under Tiring Police Station, where officers allegedly tried to disperse protesters demanding the accused’s arrest instead of acting promptly on the cognizable offence. BJD expressed full solidarity with the Milita Adivasi Mancha’s agitation and extended support for future actions.
Citing similar incidents in Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, and other districts, the party demanded immediate departmental action against negligent police personnel and time-bound measures to ensure the safety and dignity of tribal women across the state. BJD vowed to continue fighting for tribal rights and justice.
