A devastating fire that broke out late Saturday night at. Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital has sent shockwaves across Rajasthan. The incident, caused by a short circuit in a section of the hospital. Around 10:30 PM, led to immediate panic and the urgent shifting of several patients. However, the most significant fallout has been the absence of State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar from the scene.
Minister's Absence Sparks Political Row
While the Chief Minister personally visited the hospital late at night to assess. The situation, the Health Minister's failure to appear has become a major political controversy. Despite the fire being extensively covered by national media, the minister's non-presence at the state's largest government medical institution has drawn severe criticism from the public and journalists alike. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, are abuzz with furious reactions, and demands for his resignation are growing louder.
Public and Media Demand Accountability
Journalists and citizens have deemed the minister's absence "highly irresponsible, while " Many have questioned how the Chief Minister could be present while the head of the health department was missing. One journalist posted, "If the Health Minister isn't present during a crisis, whom should the public rely on? " Hashtags like #ResignGajendraSinghKhinvsar are trending, with people asserting that if a minister can't fulfill their responsibilities, they've no right to hold office.
The incident also raises serious concerns about the fire safety systems at SMS Hospital. There have been previous instances of technical glitches and neglect regarding fire safety, with investigations often leading nowhere. This time, public anger is directed not just at administrative lapses but also at the perceived insensitivity and lack of accountability from the political leadership. Political analysts suggest that if Minister Khimsar doesn't provide a clear explanation or take responsibility soon, the political pressure on him will intensify, while opposition parties have already joined the chorus, demanding his removal, further deepening the crisis.