“Yogi govt should take responsibility”: CPI leader Annie Raja on Jhansi fire incident

New Delhi [India], November 16 (ANI): Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Annie Raja on Saturday said the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, must take responsibility for the Jhansi fire incident that claimed the lives of 10 newborns.

The tragedy occurred when a fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator, spread rapidly in the highly oxygenated environment of the NICU, leading to the deaths of 10 newborns.

“This is the result of neglecting the public health system and prioritising the health insurance system, which benefits private insurance companies. What is the condition of that government hospital in UP? Has he [CM Yogi Adityanath] ever assessed the state of government hospitals, their safety measures, or whether they have adequate medical and paramedical staff? He is in Maharashtra, while it is deeply unfortunate that 10 newborns have lost their lives,” Annie Raja told ANI.

“The Yogi government bears full responsibility, and the Chief Minister must be held accountable,” she added.

CPI leader D Raja also criticised the tragedy at Jhansi Medical College, describing it as both sad and shocking.

“The incident is heartbreaking and deeply shocking. Why did such a failure occur? The UP CM claims to be a ‘Vishwaguru,’ but what is happening in his own state? The double-engine BJP government has brought numerous disasters. The UP government has failed to protect children, ensure women’s safety, and secure the rights of Adivasis. What is happening in UP reflects the BJP government’s complete failure,” D Raja said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the incident, urging immediate measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“I am devastated by the tragic incident at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, where ten newborns lost their lives in an NICU fire. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and demand accountability and immediate action to prevent such horrific accidents in the future,” Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow and called for strict action against those responsible.

In a post on X, he wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of several newborns in the fire at Jhansi Medical College. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Such repeated tragedies in Uttar Pradesh raise serious concerns about the negligence of the government and administration.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief, describing the incident as “heart-wrenching” in a post on X.

“The fire at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their innocent children. I pray for God to give them the strength to endure this immense loss. The local administration, under the state government’s supervision, is making every effort to provide relief and conduct rescue operations,” said PM Modi.

The tragedy has left grieving families shattered, with many still searching for their missing children.