Bhubaneswar: BJD and Congress on Monday stalled proceedings in the Odisha assembly demanding resignation of health minister Mukesh Mahaling over SCB Medical College and Hospital fire that killed 12 patients.As soon as the House reconvened, opposition MLAs trooped into the well, waved banners and shouted slogans despite repeated appeals from Speaker Surama Padhy to return to their seats. With the ruckus continuing, she first adjourned the House till 11.30am, then 12.30pm, and finally till 4pm. The opposition has been protesting since March 17, alleging negligence and seeking accountability. An all-party meeting was later called to discuss the issue.Pressing for Mahaling’s ouster, BJD MLA Byomkesh Ray said the minister should have stepped down after the fire in the state’s premier medical institution. “Glaring lapses are clearly visible. If this is the state of a top hospital, one can imagine the state of healthcare in Odisha,” he told mediapersons outside the assembly.Countering the charge, BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said the previous BJD govt promised to turn SCB into a world-class institution but left behind “a legacy full of problems”. Calling the fire an unfortunate incident, he accused BJD and Congress of using a sensitive issue to disrupt proceedings. “The government has ordered a probe and action is being taken,” he said, adding the opposition should refrain from politicising the issue.
