Deputy CM of UP Faces Backlash for VIP Treatment During Visit to Site of Hospital Fire That Killed 10 Newborns

The catastrophic fire at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, on November 15, claimed the lives of 10 newborns and left 16 others critically injured. As families mourned their loss, a fresh wave of outrage erupted over allegations of “VIP treatment” accorded to Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak during his visit to the hospital.

Pathak’s visit, meant to oversee the situation and console the bereaved families, instead drew criticism for its theatrics. Reports allege that before the Deputy CM’s arrival, a red carpet was rolled out, and a sudden flurry of cleaning activities ensued to present a polished image. Many questioned the timing and priorities of such superficial preparations while grieving families and critically injured newborns remained in desperate need of attention​

“This is not the time for optics. Parents who have lost their infants are in unimaginable pain. Rolling out a red carpet while they are still in mourning is insensitive and shameful,” remarked opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav, condemning the administration for misplaced priorities. The staged cleanliness drive added fuel to public fury, with citizens demanding more transparency and accountability from government officials​

The tragedy has highlighted glaring systemic failings. Reports indicate that safety protocols were grossly inadequate. Fire extinguishers were reportedly expired, alarms non-functional, and emergency preparedness lacking. Despite prior inspections and safety drills earlier this year, these lapses went unaddressed. Parents shared harrowing accounts of helplessness as flames engulfed the NICU. One mother, sobbing uncontrollably, said, “No one was there to save my baby. How could I, when even the staff couldn’t enter to help us?”​

While Deputy CM Pathak promised a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible, the trust deficit among citizens is evident. “Such inspections and assurances mean little when basic safety measures are ignored,” said Naresh Kumar, who lost his infant in the fire.

The visit’s controversy has also cast a shadow over Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, with critics alleging that the administration prioritizes optics over genuine action. Although the CM has announced compensation for the victims’ families and a probe into the incident, these measures are seen as reactionary, rather than preventative.

This tragedy and the subsequent controversy serve as a stark reminder of the critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and governance in India. As outrage grows, so does the demand for systemic reform—not just in fire safety protocols but also in how public officials respond to crises. Citizens deserve action that reflects accountability and humanity, not mere political performance.

If the fire at Jhansi’s NICU is to serve as a lesson, it must be a turning point for tangible, long-term reforms, lest such incidents become a recurring tragedy​