Chaos in Odisha Assembly: Opposition Dons Black T-Shirts in Bold Protest Against Health Minister

Bhubaneswar – The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Tuesday as Opposition members staged a united protest, bringing proceedings to a complete standstill. Legislators from both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress entered the well of the House wearing black T-shirts with bold slogans, intensifying the political confrontation.

Black T-Shirts and Slogans Rock the House

The protestors donned black attire displaying the message, “Weak Chief Minister, Powerful Health Minister,” targeting the state leadership. The coordinated demonstration led to chaos inside the Assembly, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House until 11:30 am.

SCB Fire Incident Sparks Outrage

The agitation stems from the recent fire outbreak at SCB Medical College and Hospital, which the Opposition alleges is a result of gross negligence and systemic failure in the state’s healthcare system. Opposition leaders have demanded immediate accountability, including the resignation of the Health Minister.

Opposition Vows Continued Agitation

Calling the protest a fight for accountability, a senior Opposition leader said the agitation would continue until action is taken. “We will not allow the government to escape responsibility when lives have been put at risk,” the leader stated.

Rare Unity Between BJD and Congress

The joint protest by BJD and Congress signals a rare show of unity on a critical public issue. Political observers believe this alignment could strengthen Opposition pressure on the ruling party in the coming days.

Government Accuses Opposition of Disruption

The ruling party, however, dismissed the protest as political drama, accusing the Opposition of deliberately stalling legislative work. Government spokespersons argued that such disruptions waste public resources and hinder meaningful debate in the Assembly.

Assembly Turns Into Political Battleground

With neither side willing to back down, the Assembly session has turned into a high-voltage political battleground. The SCB fire incident continues to dominate the discourse, casting a shadow over legislative proceedings and escalating tensions between the government and the Opposition.