Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly descended into chaos again on Wednesday as Opposition MLAs staged a vociferous protest over the deadly fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, demanding accountability and the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
The uproar erupted shortly after the Question Hour commenced, with member of BJD and Congreaa storming the well of the House, raising anti-government slogans and disrupting proceedings. Many Opposition legilators w
ore black T-shirts emblazoned with messages such as “Weak Chief Minister” to underscore their criticism of the ruling dispensation’s handling of the tragedy.
Speaker Surama Padhy was forced to adjourn the House till 11:30 am amid the din for the seventh day. Following which, the protesting MLAs continued their demonstration on the Assembly premises.
This comes a day after Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik told reporters that the agitation will continue in and outside the House till the Health Minister quits, while launching a scathing attack on the Centre for failing to send any Union minister to SCB MCH even nine days after the incident.
The ruling BJP, on the other hand, has slammed the previous BJD government for failing to upgrade fire safety infrastructure at the hospital despite its long tenure, describing the tragedy as a consequence of “years of neglect.”