Bhubaneswar: The agitation over the fire tragedy at SCB Medical College and Hospital spilled onto the streets on Monday, with leaders and workers from nearly 10 opposition parties staging a demonstration at PMG Square in Bhubaneswar. Apart from the Biju Janata Dal and Indian National Congress, parties such as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) participated in the protest.
The street protest coincided with continued disruptions inside the Odisha Assembly, where proceedings were stalled for the second consecutive day amid uproar over the hospital fire that claimed 12 lives.
Earlier in the day, the House began with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida moving a condolence motion in memory of former Pallahara MLA and ex-Lok Sabha MP Narayan Sahu, who passed away on March 27. The motion was seconded by Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam and others. The House observed a one-minute silence in his memory.
However, soon after the Question Hour began, opposition members rushed to the well of the House holding placards and banners, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and action against senior officials of the hospital for alleged negligence.
Amid the din, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House multiple times. An all-party meeting convened by the Speaker failed to resolve the stalemate as opposition members continued their protest.
Meanwhile, senior BJD Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra backed the joint agitation, alleging serious lapses in the functioning of the hospital. He questioned the role of officials responsible for monitoring healthcare services and accused the government of shielding those accountable.
He said the protest reflected a collective demand by opposition parties for transparency, accountability and immediate corrective measures to ensure patient safety.
