The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar today as Opposition members staged protests over the SCB Medical College fire that claimed 12 lives.
As soon as proceedings began, BJD legislators entered the well of the House holding posters, while Congress members raised slogans demanding accountability. The Opposition pressed for the immediate resignation of Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling and sought Rs 50 lakh compensation for each victim’s family.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam jointly demanded Mahaling’s resignation, accusing him of failing to ensure safety standards at the state’s premier hospital. They insisted that the government must take moral responsibility for the tragedy.
The protests disrupted Question Hour, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling attempting to respond to a starred question in place of the absent Rural Development Minister. However, the Opposition’s loud slogans drowned his reply. Speaker Surama Padhi adjourned the House multiple times, first from 10:37 a.m. to 12 noon, and later from 12:15 p.m. to 4 p.m., as the chaos continued.
Opposition members refused to return to their seats despite repeated appeals from the Speaker. The demand for enhanced compensation and ministerial accountability dominated the day’s proceedings, leaving the Assembly unable to conduct regular business.
