Bhubaneswar, March 23 (NationPress) The Odisha Assembly was engulfed in chaos on Monday as the Opposition continued its demands for the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling following a devastating fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Members from the Opposition, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, brandished placards and banners, converging near the Speaker’s podium as the Question Hour commenced.

They vociferously chanted anti-government slogans, insisting on the Health Minister’s resignation on ethical grounds, and called for the arrest of officials deemed negligent in relation to the unfortunate fire incident.

The uproar compelled Speaker Surama Padhy to implement multiple adjournments, with the Assembly barely functioning for a few minutes during the initial half of the Monday session.

In an effort to resolve the impasse, the Speaker convened an all-party meeting, yet the Opposition's uproar rendered it impossible for the House to operate during the Zero Hour.

Ultimately, the meeting did not produce favorable outcomes, leading to the Speaker adjourning the House until 4 PM.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, BJD MLA Sarada Jena launched a fierce critique against the ruling party, claiming that the Opposition's disruption of the House is a direct reaction to the government’s failure to ensure accountability for the major fire tragedy that claimed 12 lives and inflicted injuries on many.

He rebuked the administration for its perceived lack of transparency, alleging that while some officials were technically reassigned following the incident, they remain in positions of power rather than facing appropriate disciplinary measures.

Expanding on his accusations, Jena contended that the Chief Minister’s Office is actively protecting the accused and their superiors, hindering a fair investigation.

He demanded the immediate resignation of the Health Minister due to administrative negligence and stressed that the Opposition will persist in its protests until the state government guarantees the arrest of senior hospital officials accountable for the tragedy and the minister's resignation.

BJP MLA Santosh Khatua condemned the Opposition for the ongoing disruption in the State Assembly, asserting that their actions are significantly obstructing essential legislative duties.

Commenting on the SCB fire incident, Khatua stated that the administration and emergency services acted swiftly to manage the aftermath and provide necessary assistance to those affected. He further asserted that the state is adhering to due processes in an orderly manner.

Khatua underscored that a formal inquiry committee, led by a retired judge, has been established to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation.

"In a democratic nation, any administrative or legal proceedings must rely on substantial evidence and established facts, rather than mere allegations," Khatua remarked.