2 months ago
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The proceedings of the Odisha Assembly were disrupted for the 4th consecutive time connected Friday (March 20, 2026), pursuing predominant adjournments arsenic the Opposition BJD and Congress demanded resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling implicit the occurrence incidental successful a hospital that near 12 patients dead.
The House witnessed noisy scenes from the precise opening erstwhile it assembled for the Question Hour astatine 10.30 a.m..
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Holding placards and shouting anti-government slogans, the Opposition members trooped into the good of the House and demanded the resignation of the Minister, holding the State authorities liable for the decease of 12 patients astatine SCB Medical College and Hospital successful Cuttack.
The occurrence incidental took spot astatine the trauma attraction ICU of the premier authorities infirmary aboriginal connected March 16.
The agitating members attempted to ascent the Speaker’s podium and were prevented by the marshals. Opposition MLAs raised slogans similar “Ram Naam Satya Hai” and “(CM) Mohan Majhi Hai Hai” erstwhile Speaker Surama Padhy allowed School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond to reply to definite questions.
The minister’s reply was not audible successful the din.
Unable to tally the proceedings, the Speaker archetypal adjourned the House till 11.30 americium and aboriginal till 4 PM. She convened an all-party gathering to interruption the four-day-long stalemate.
However, Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik made it wide that they are not withdrawing the agitation until the Minister resigns connected motivation ground.
“Who is liable for the decease of 12 patients and pain wounded of 11 others successful a government-run hospital?” Ms. Mallik asked.
She cited the resignation of the past Health Minister Atanu S Nayak implicit a akin occurrence calamity astatine a backstage infirmary successful 2016 during the BJD regime.
“Where is the morality of the BJP government? This clip the incidental occurred successful a authorities facility,” Ms. Mallik said, adding that the absorption volition combat for justice.
BJP subordinate Ashok Mohanty rejected the Opposition’s demand, claiming that the resignation of the Minister would not lick the problem.
“The erstwhile BJD authorities did not marque immoderate occurrence information arrangements successful SCB aesculapian assemblage infirmary during its 24-year tenure. Now, wrong 2 years, the BJP authorities has provided ₹800 crore for the infrastructure improvement of the SCB Medical College. Things could not beryllium acceptable close overnight,” Mr. Mohanty said.
He added that the authorities has placed 4 officials nether suspension, announced ex-gratia for the victims’ families and besides ordered a judicial probe.
The House witnesed akin concern for the past 3 days implicit the issue.
