Opposition Criticizes VIP Welcome Amid Jhansi Hospital Fire Tragedy - Read Now
Opposition parties slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for arranging a VIP welcome for Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak at Jhansi hospital after a fire killed 10 newborns. They highlighted expired fire extinguishers and negligence as causes of the tragedy.
The fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi killed 10 newborns, and the Opposition parties have lashed out at the Uttar Pradesh government for insensitivity and lack of seriousness in its work. The fire was apparently caused by a short circuit in the oxygen concentrator, which engulfed the neonatal intensive care unit, leaving 16 infants with severe injuries.
Congress Condemns VIP Preparations
The Congress Party attacked the Uttar Pradesh government for a video that seemed to depict roads being cleaned and lime sprinkled in the hospital compound, apparently as preparations to welcome Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak .
"While families grieve, the BJP govt is busy polishing its image," the Congress tweeted.
The party claims that it was the hospital compound that was described as filthy by families of the victims that was cleaned for the visit by the Deputy CM.
Safety Equipment Expired
The case has also highlighted lapses in safety:
Fire Extinguishers Expired Long Back: The fire extinguishers in the ward became unusable in 2020.
Safety Alarms Not Functional: The fire safety alarms did not activate during the fire, thus delaying evacuation.
Opposition Slams Government's Negligence
Even the Samajwadi Party has now joined the Congress to slam the government. Party spokesperson Juhie Singh says that this is a symbol of corrupt and negligent governance.
"There were no preparations to save the children. The BJP government is altogether insensitive," Singh said.
Government Response
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak who also holds the health ministry stated that the fire could have sparked due to a short circuit.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a three-tier probe into the incident and announced:
The compensation for the family of the deceased would be ₹5 lakhs.
Safety audits at all government hospitals immediately.
Public Anger Over Insensitivity
Such criticism from the Opposition has thus resonated with most citizens, as people feel that those VIPs are given treatment jarringly different from the loss of families whose children die in hospitals. Social media has amplified the calls for stricter accountability and systemic reforms in hospital safety protocols.
