TNI Bureau: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the state government in the Assembly, holding it accountable for the tragic fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital that claimed 11 lives.

Speaking during Zero Hour, Patnaik said his visit to Cuttack revealed “crumbling safety standards” in the state’s premier healthcare institution. He termed the incident not merely an accident, but a consequence of “administrative negligence,” expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families.

Questioning the government’s response, Patnaik asserted that inquiries alone cannot shield the Health Department from responsibility. He demanded the immediate resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, urging him to take moral responsibility for the lapse.

Patnaik also called the announced compensation inadequate, demanding ₹50 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased victim’s family, and stressed the need for accountability beyond symbolic measures.