TNI Bureau: A massive demonstration organized by the United Opposition parties was successfully held today in front of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, demanding the immediate resignation or dismissal of the State Health Minister. The protest was held in response to the tragic fire accident in the Trauma Care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed the lives of 13 innocent patients.

Terming the incident as an “institutional and systemic killing,” leaders across party lines strongly condemned what they described as gross negligence and administrative failure on the part of the government. The protest witnessed participation from ten opposition parties, including BJD, Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP, RJD, Samata Kranti Dal, and Samajwadi Party.

The demonstration drew overwhelming public support from various sections of society, reflecting widespread outrage over the incident.

A written message from Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik was read out, extending his support to the protest and its demands. Similarly, an audio message from Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das was played, appreciating the success of the protest and warning of intensified agitation in the coming days.

At the beginning of the protest, participants paid homage to the 13 deceased victims by observing a two-minute silence. The United Opposition also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families.

The opposition collectively put forward several key demands:

🔹 Immediate resignation or removal of the Health Minister.
🔹 Compensation of at least ₹1 crore and a government job for a family member of each deceased.
🔹 A judicial probe led by a High Court judge with immediate publication of the report.
🔹 Free and advanced medical treatment for the injured along with financial assistance of at least ₹5 lakh.
🔹 Immediate arrest of those responsible, including the hospital superintendent, concerned officials, staff, and the electrical contractor.
🔹 Comprehensive fire safety and security audits of all government and private hospitals.

The opposition warned that if these demands are not fulfilled, the agitation will intensify across the state.

It was also announced that a delegation of opposition leaders will meet the Governor on March 31 to submit a memorandum regarding the issue.

The protest was led by a presidium comprising senior leaders from various parties, including Debi Prasad Mishra (BJD), Debashish Pattnaik (Congress), N. Narayan Reddy (CPI), Suresh Panigrahi (CPI-M), Mahendra Parida (CPI-ML Liberation), Purna Chandra Padhi (Forward Bloc), Prabhas Samantara (Samata Kranti Dal), Bikram Swain (NCP), Pradeep Mishra (SP), and Hemant Kumar (RJD).

Several prominent leaders from different parties addressed the gathering, calling for a united and intensified struggle to ensure justice and accountability.