Bhubaneswar, 26 March (H.S.): Proceedings in the Odisha Legislative Assembly were adjourned till Monday on Thursday after persistent protests by opposition parties over the recent fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Members of the opposition—Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Indian National Congress—demanded the resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, blaming the state government for alleged negligence that led to the incident.

As soon as the House assembled, opposition MLAs rushed to the well of the House, shouting slogans and disrupting proceedings. Amid the uproar, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till 11:30 AM. However, the ruckus continued, forcing the Assembly to be adjourned for the day until Monday.

Outside the Assembly premises, legislators from the BJD and Congress staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, intensifying pressure on the state government over the issue.

The stalemate has continued since March 17, with repeated disruptions preventing normal functioning of the House.

BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo accused the government of gross negligence and demanded immediate action.

“This is extreme negligence on the part of the state government. SCB Medical College is the pride of Odisha. If such an incident has occurred there due to government inaction, the Health Minister must resign immediately, or the Chief Minister should dismiss him,” Sahoo said.

He further stated that the government must send a clear message that negligence in public healthcare will not be tolerated.

“Government-run medical colleges are places of hope and trust for poor and distressed people. If such a tragic accident occurs and patients die while the government remains inactive, what message is the government trying to give?” he questioned.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda