Lucknow, November 16 (IANS): The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Saturday slammed the Yogi Adityanath government over the Jhansi hospital fire tragedy, accusing the government of gross negligence in the state’s health index and demanding that health minister Brajesh Pathak resign from his post over the horrific fire at Laxmibai hospital, which killed 10 babies and killed 16 university, which leaves the child in a more critical situation.

Speaking to IANS, SP leaders RK Chaudhary and Juhi Singh said UP health minister Brajesh Pathak should be held responsible for the death of 10 newborns in Jhansi hospital and should resign.

The fire, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital, where 54 babies were admitted. While 45 babies were rescued, the devastating loss of life sparked outrage across the state.

“What happened in Jhansi is extremely saddening,” RK Chaudhary told IANS.

“This is a complete failure of the government. 10 children lost their lives, many others were affected. While the government focuses on dividing people based on religion, it neglects the basic duty of protecting its citizens.” For a thorough investigation into the incident.

Chaudhary also criticized the Yogi government, saying: “The rich are getting richer and the poor continue to suffer. The health department led by Brajesh Pathak is directly responsible for this tragedy. This is a sad reflection of a government more interested in politics than public welfare.”

SP leader Juhi Singh also echoed Chaudhary’s thoughts and accused Health Minister Brajesh Pathak of gross negligence and corruption.

“The health minister is nothing more than a ‘TV minister’ who remains indifferent to the tragedy. The deaths of these children are a result of his incompetence. I demand his immediate resignation and that of the senior officials involved.”

He also called for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible for negligence are held accountable.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Principal Health Secretary Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma reached the hospital and assessed the situation. Calling for speedy investigation, the UP CM directed the District Commissioner and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DGP) to submit the investigation report within 12 hours.