India, March 18 -- The Odisha legislative assembly witnessed tumultuous scenes on Wednesday as members of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) disrupted the Question Hour, demanding the resignation of state health minister Mukesh Mahaling over the recent fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital that claimed 12 lives.

Escalating their protest, BJD MLAs carried a symbolic bier within the assembly premises and raised chants of "Ram Nam Satya Hai" to signify the "death" of the health department. Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned proceedings first till 11.30am and later till 4pm.

BJD MLA Arun Sahoo alleged a complete collapse of the healthcare system, stating that the department had been in a "coma" and had now "died". He further claime...