Chaos erupted in the Odisha Assembly today as opposition members cornered the government over the horrific fire at Cuttack SCB Medical College. The tragedy, which occurred late Sunday in the Trauma Care ICU, claimed 10 lives and left numerous patients and staff injured.
As the second phase of the budget session resumed, BJD and Congress members stormed the well of the House with posters and banners. They raised slogans demanding accountability, specifically citing allegations that fire extinguishers failed to operate during the emergency.
Despite Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling’s attempts to respond, the ruckus forced Speaker Surma Padhi to cancel Question Hour and adjourn the House until 12 noon.
The incident has sparked a fierce political storm, with the opposition accusing the administration of gross negligence leading to the avoidable loss of life.