Odisha Assembly Stalemate: LoP Patnaik Demands Health Minister's Resignation Over SCB Fire Incident
Synopsis
In a pressing call for accountability, Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in Odisha, demands the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling following a tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital that resulted in multiple fatalities. The ongoing assembly deadlock highlights significant political tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
Fire Incident: Tragic fire at SCB Medical College resulted in multiple fatalities.
Political Demands: Naveen Patnaik reiterates calls for the resignation of Health Minister Dr.
Assembly Disruption: Ongoing protests by Opposition parties have led to a deadlock in the Odisha Assembly.
Accountability Call: The situation underscores the demand for accountability in governance.
Ruling Party's Stance: BJP accuses BJD of distracting from their own controversies.
Bhubaneswar, March 24 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing stalemate in the Odisha Assembly, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and President of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, once again called for the immediate resignation of State Health Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, following the devastating fire incident at the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of at least 12 patients, with multiple others suffering severe burn injuries.
Addressing the media, Patnaik expressed his astonishment that nine days have elapsed since the catastrophic fire in Cuttack on March 16, yet no Union Minister has made a visit to the affected hospital.
“It is truly appalling that after nine days of such a tragic loss of life at SCB Medical College and Hospital, not one Union Minister has come to the hospital in Cuttack. This is utterly shocking. In contrast, during a similar tragedy at a private medical institution during our administration, numerous Union ministers visited to show their concern. One can clearly see the difference in their level of concern for the people of Odisha who have suffered in this horrific incident,” Patnaik stated.
Reiterating his party's demand, Patnaik insisted on the immediate resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling. He affirmed that the BJD would persist in its protests, declaring, “Undoubtedly, the BJD will continue its agitation.”
Meanwhile, the Assembly struggled to conduct its business on Tuesday as members of the Opposition Congress and BJD, brandishing placards and banners, continued their vociferous protests near the Speaker’s podium, insisting on the Health Minister's resignation and demanding stringent actions against the superintendent of SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Despite Speaker Surama Padhy’s efforts to maintain order in the House, she was compelled to call for multiple adjournments due to the turmoil, ultimately adjourning the session until 4 PM.
Importantly, despite the Speaker's attempts to convene several all-party meetings over the past few days, no resolution has been reached. The Opposition BJD and Congress have been obstructing the House proceedings concerning the SCB Hospital fire tragedy since March 17.
Conversely, the ruling BJP has accused the Opposition BJD of deliberately stalling the House to distract from the controversy surrounding the Biju-Naveen Inspirational Trust, thereby squandering taxpayer funds.
Point of View
Where accountability is being fiercely contested. The tragic loss of lives in the SCB Hospital fire has sparked outrage, leading to significant demands for political accountability. Both the ruling party and the opposition are firmly entrenched in their positions, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the state's governance.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the SCB Medical College fire?
A fire broke out in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 patients and serious injuries to several others.
Who is demanding the resignation of the Health Minister?
Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition and President of Biju Janata Dal, is demanding the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling.
Why is the Odisha Assembly in deadlock?
The Assembly is in deadlock due to ongoing protests by the Opposition, demanding accountability for the SCB Hospital fire and the resignation of the Health Minister.
What has been the response from the ruling BJP?
The ruling BJP has accused the Opposition BJD of disrupting proceedings to divert attention from controversies surrounding the Biju-Naveen Inspirational Trust.
What actions have been taken in the Assembly regarding the protests?
Speaker Surama Padhy has attempted to maintain order but has had to adjourn the House multiple times due to the ongoing protests.
