Opposition Stages Mock Funeral in Odisha Assembly Over SCB Fire Tragedy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Wednesday as MLAs of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress staged a mock funeral inside the premises to protest the recent fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed 12 lives and injured around 20 others.

According to reports, the fire broke out in the first-floor Trauma ICU of the hospital, allegedly due to a short circuit, while patients were asleep. The incident has triggered widespread outrage across the state.

In a symbolic protest, opposition MLAs carried a sacred pot (Kalash) and fried paddy (Khoi), offered flowers, and chanted “Ram Naam Satya Hai,” depicting what they termed as the “death” of the state’s healthcare system.

Speaking to the media, senior BJD leader and Nayagarh MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo launched a sharp attack on the government. “The health department is dead. We are performing its last rites today. Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has now turned into a ‘Sasmana Yojana.’ The healthcare system in Odisha has completely collapsed,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, a Congress legislator alleged negligence on the part of the state administration. He claimed that officials had visited the hospital on the morning of March 16 but failed to take any concrete steps. “The government was busy with Rajya Sabha elections and horse-trading, ignoring patient safety. The Health Minister must resign,” he said.

Both BJD and Congress MLAs demanded the immediate resignation of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling. Several legislators also held placards inside the Assembly, raising slogans and disrupting proceedings.

The tragic fire incident has intensified political tensions in Odisha, with bereaved families and political leaders demanding a comprehensive probe into alleged safety lapses at the hospital.