Odisha Assembly Erupts in Protests Over SCB Hospital Fire Tragedy

The Odisha Legislative Assembly was the scene of intense protests as BJD and Congress MLAs demanded the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling following a tragic fire at SCB Medical College that claimed 12 lives. The opposition staged a symbolic funeral procession, criticizing the government's handling of the incident and calling for increased compensation for victims' families. Amidst the chaos, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House multiple times. The protests highlighted the growing frustration over healthcare infrastructure in the state, with leaders from both parties expressing their outrage and demanding accountability from the government.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 15:04 IST

Protests Erupt in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar, March 18: The Odisha Legislative Assembly was engulfed in chaos on Wednesday as Opposition members from the BJD and Congress staged a dramatic protest, including a symbolic funeral procession, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling. This outcry was in response to a devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack that resulted in the loss of 12 lives.

During the Question Hour, Opposition legislators, brandishing posters and placards, surged towards the Speaker Surama Padhy’s podium, chanting slogans and calling for the Health Minister's resignation. They accused the government of administrative failures that led to this tragic incident.

In the midst of the uproar, Speaker Padhy was compelled to adjourn the House several times. Opposition MLAs from both parties organized a symbolic funeral procession for the health department, criticizing the state government for its inability to avert the catastrophic fire at SCB Hospital.

As they marched within the Assembly grounds, the protesting MLAs reiterated their demand for Health Minister Mahaling to step down. They also called for an increase in compensation for the victims' families, insisting that the current offer of ₹25 lakh was inadequate, and proposed a sum of ₹1 crore instead.

BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Every day, more lives are tragically lost. In our previous government, a Health Minister resigned following a fire at a private hospital on moral grounds. Yet, in this case, with so many fatalities in a government facility, the Health Minister remains in position. This is unacceptable, and immediate action is needed to enhance healthcare across the state."

Senior Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati remarked, "We established these facilities to save lives, but the current state of medical infrastructure in Odisha has turned hospitals into death traps. The people's outcry is resonating throughout the state, yet the government remains unresponsive. Today's 'funeral' symbolizes the public's outrage, and we demand the Health Minister's immediate resignation."

BJP MLA Manas Dutta responded to the protests, stating that while the fire incident at SCB Medical College is indeed tragic, it is "deeply inappropriate" to exploit such a humanitarian crisis for political gain. He urged the BJD and Congress members to uphold the dignity of the Assembly rather than "capitalize on a tragedy." Other BJP legislators echoed that the resignation of the Health Minister would not resolve the underlying issues.