Odisha Assembly Erupts Amid Protests Over SCB ICU Fire Tragedy
Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the Odisha Assembly was thrown into disarray as protests erupted over the tragic fire at SCB Medical College, resulting in 12 fatalities. Opposition leaders demand accountability, highlighting perceived government negligence.
Key Takeaways
Significant political unrest in Odisha Assembly.
12 fatalities from SCB Medical College ICU fire.
Opposition demands accountability from government officials.
Speaker adjourns sessions amid ongoing protests.
Calls for compensation for victims' families.
Bhubaneswar, March 25 (NationPress) An intense uproar engulfed the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, as members from the Opposition, which includes the BJD and Congress, intensified their protests regarding the tragic fire incident in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital that resulted in the loss of 12 lives and left many others with severe burn injuries.
In a distinct act of protest, Opposition lawmakers wore black T-shirts emblazoned with messages like ‘Weak Chief Minister’, directing criticism at the state government’s response to the calamity.
As Question Hour began, Opposition members disrupted the House proceedings, brandishing banners and chanting slogans such as 'Weak Chief Minister' and 'Strong Health Minister'.
The Speaker, Surama Padhy, responded to the turmoil by adjourning the session until 11:30 A.M. The protests continued unabated, resulting in further adjournments throughout the day, ultimately pushing the session back until 4 P.M.
To address the ongoing standstill, Speaker Padhy convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday.
Afterward, Opposition members staged a rally around the Assembly premises, voicing their demands for a comprehensive statement from the Chief Minister regarding the incident, the resignation of the Health Minister, and accountability for the then Superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital.
BJD leader Goutam Buddha Das criticized Majhi, labeling him as the weakest chief minister and stated, “For over ten days following the fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital, we have insisted that the health minister resign due to the fatalities caused by negligence.”
“Despite our persistent protests, the state government has remained unresponsive, leading us to conclude that the Health Minister holds more power while the Chief Minister is the weakest in Odisha’s history,” he asserted.
Opposition Chief Whip, Pramila Mallik, challenged the Chief Minister to take decisive action against the Health Minister, arguing it would demonstrate that he is not the weakest leader.
Senior Congress leader CS Raazen Ekka condemned the BJP-led double engine government, attributing responsibility for the devastating SCB Medical College fire to the Health Minister.
He accused the Chief Minister of being entirely weak and compromised, which is why the Health Minister has not been urged to resign. He also called for a ₹1 crore ex-gratia payment for the families of the victims of the March 16 fire at SCB Medical in Cuttack.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the gravity of the situation unfolding in Odisha. The tragic loss of lives due to the fire at SCB Medical College has sparked significant political turmoil, revealing tensions between the government and opposition parties. This incident raises questions about accountability and the effectiveness of governance in crisis situations.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What incident triggered the protests in the Odisha Assembly?
The protests were triggered by a fire in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital on March 16, resulting in 12 deaths and severe injuries to many others.
What were the key demands of the opposition parties?
The opposition demanded a detailed statement from the Chief Minister, the resignation of the Health Minister, and accountability for the Superintendent of SCB Medical College.
How did the Speaker respond to the protests?
Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the proceedings multiple times due to the disruptions caused by the protests.
Who criticized the Chief Minister during the protests?
BJD leader Goutam Buddha Das and Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik both criticized the Chief Minister, questioning his leadership and calling for action against the Health Minister.
What compensation has been demanded for the victims' families?
Senior Congress leader CS Raazen Ekka demanded ₹1 crore as ex-gratia payment for the families of the victims who perished in the SCB Medical fire.
