After the tragic incident in which 63 children were killed in Gorakhpur’s BRD Hospital in past five days due to the shortage of oxygen, several political leaders have reacted and even went on to demand the resignation of chief minister, Yogi Adityanath. The incident happened in a case of negligence on part of the hospital to ensure smooth supply of oxygen for the patients.
The Opposition parties on Saturday demanded resignations of CM Adityanath and state health minister, Siddharth Nath Singh. Here’s how opposition reacted:
Congress leader Manish Tewari: “Considering he [Adityanath] is both the MP and the chief minister, he must take moral responsibility and step down, and so should the health minister [Siddharth Nath Singh].”
Senior Congress leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad: “He cannot back away from this responsibility…The doctors of this hospital are not at fault,” Azad said on Saturday.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi: Was “pained beyond words” by the tragedy.
Party vice-president, Rahul Gandhi held the state government responsible for the incident.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav: “Samajwadi Party delegation will visit the hospital. The government is not doing their job, they are busy hounding Samajwadi Party workers…The government is trying to run away from responsibilities.”
Samajwadi Party leader, Ram Gopal Yadav: Compensation for the families of the children who died in the incident should be given. Free medicine must be provided to poor families across UP.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati: “The Uttar Pradesh government cannot be criticised enough for this tragic incident.”
In the meantime, Uttar Pradesh medical education minister, Ashutosh Tandon and health minister, Siddharth Nath Singh held a meeting with BRD Medical College authorities. Union health minister, JP Nadda also told minister of state health and family welfare, Anupriya Patel to visit Gorakhpur, and take stock of the situation.
