Bhubaneswar, 18 March (H.S.): The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed unprecedented scenes on Wednesday as opposition MLAs from the BJD and Congress staged a mock funeral within the premises to protest the recent fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital, which claimed 12 lives and left 20 others injured.

The fire, reportedly triggered by a short circuit in the Trauma ICU on the first floor, broke out while patients were asleep, raising serious concerns over hospital safety measures.

In a symbolic protest, legislators carried a sacred pot (Kalash) and fried paddy (Khoi), offered flowers, and chanted “Ram Naam Satya Hai,” portraying the alleged collapse of the state’s healthcare system.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, senior BJD leader and Nayagarh MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo strongly criticised the government, stating that the state’s health system had “collapsed.” He alleged that key healthcare initiatives were not functioning effectively and accused the administration of negligence.

A Congress legislator also targeted the government, claiming that officials had visited the hospital on the day of the incident but failed to take adequate action. The lawmaker further alleged that the government remained preoccupied with political engagements instead of prioritising patient safety.

Both BJD and Congress members demanded the immediate resignation of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling. Several MLAs displayed placards calling for accountability, leading to disruptions in the Assembly proceedings.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, with bereaved families and political leaders demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances and alleged lapses that led to the tragedy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda