Naveen Slams Centre Over No Union Minister Visit to SCB after Fire Tragedy; Demands Health Minister’s Resignation

Bhubaneswar: As uproar gripped the Odisha Assembly over the tragic fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Leader of Opposition and BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday intensified his attack on the state government, demanding the immediate resignation of State Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling.

Reiterating his party’s stand, LoP Naveen said the loss of lives in the incident reflects serious administrative failure and accountability must be fixed without delay.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, he expressed shock over the Centre’s response. “It is deeply shocking that even after nine days of such a tragic incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital, not a single Union Minister has visited the hospital in Cuttack,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with past incidents, he added, “During a similar tragedy at a private medical college when our government was in power, several Union Ministers had visited the site. The people of Odisha can clearly see the difference in concern and response.”

Sharpening his demand, Naveen asserted, “I reiterate that the State Health Minister must resign immediately, taking moral responsibility for this unfortunate incident.”

He further stated that the BJD would continue its protest until accountability is ensured. The scale of the tragedy and the number of lives lost demand justice. Our protest will continue, he added.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions as BJD and Congress MLAs pressed for Mahaling’s resignation. Opposition members stormed the Well of the House, waved placards, and raised slogans, disregarding repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to maintain order. Amid the chaos, the Speaker adjourned the House twice—first till 11:30 a.m. and later till 4 p.m.