Odisha Assembly Adjourned Thrice Amid Opposition Uproar Over Health Minister’s Resignation Demand
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on Monday as opposition members intensified their demand for Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s resignation.
The uproar stemmed from the tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital that claimed 12 lives, sparking widespread outrage over hospital safety and government accountability.
The House was adjourned three times—at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and finally at 4 pm—as Congress and BJD legislators stormed the well, raising slogans and pressing for Mahaling’s immediate ouster.
Opposition leaders accused the minister of negligence and failure to ensure adequate safety measures in state-run hospitals.
Since March 17, the issue has dominated Assembly proceedings, with opposition parties demanding stronger crisis response mechanisms and accountability from the government.
Speaker Pramila Mallick eventually called for an all-party meeting to seek consensus on the way forward.
The tragedy has reignited debate on healthcare infrastructure in Odisha, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in hospital safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
