BHUBANESWAR: The opposition Congress and BJP on Sunday attacked chief minister Naveen Patnaik over an ambulance being allegedly stopped to make way for Naveen’s carcade. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the commissionerate police expressed their regrets over the incident.The opposition questioned Naveen’s humanity and respect for human life after a private news channel aired visuals of the ambulance among several vehicles stranded between Forest Park and AG Square for Naveen’s carcade to pass from his residence, Naveen Niwas, to his office in the state secretariat between 11.45 am and 12 noon.The ambulance, a 108 vehicle in the state’s free Emergency Ambulance Service fleet, had a small baby and his mother inside it and was on its way to Capital Hospital.TOI could not independently verify if the baby was serious.Pointing out an accusing finger at Naveen, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik tweeted, “The feudalistic mindset of CM "sahab" on full display. Is the convenience of our CM more important than the life of a patient? This VVIP culture must end! There is nothing more important than a human life.”Talking to reporters later, Nirajan said it’s unfortunate that human life was not valued and ambulances were stopped for the CM to commute. “It’s question on one’s humanity,” he said.Echoing similar views, BJP state vice-president Sameer Mohanty said Naveen should act against the officers who chose his smooth ride over the patient’s life. “The incident reflects the arrogance that has been the hallmark of the BJD because it is in power for more than 18 years. If the CM is doesn’t approve this, he must take action against the erring officers,” Sameer said.BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said if such a thing has happened then it’s unfortunate. “We regret that. The government is concerned about the common man’s problems. There will be better traffic management in future,” Patra told reporters.In a series of tweets, deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Bhubaneswar (Anup Sahoo) conceded the ambulance was held up but traffic police intervened to enable it enter the hospital.“Basing on the reports in media about stoppage of ambulance near Hospital crossing, the matter was enquired into by ACP traffic. Today at about 11:50 AM hon’ble CM’s carcade crossed Unit 6 hospital crossing and the traffic of the junction was being cleared at that time,” DCP Bhubaneswar (@dcpbbsr) tweeted.“One ambulance entered towards Hospital crossing from Soor Coy junction and was held up due to existing traffic. The traffic cops intervened and diverted traffic to enable ambulance to enter the Hospital. It took about 2 mins and we deeply regret the delay,” the DCP added.“We are working with our traffic cops to avoid such delay and also appeal to the commuters to give way to the ambulance on priority,” the DCP wrote in Twitter.Notably, in September 2015, Naveen had announced to have a dedicated ambulance corridor in Bhubaneswar for smooth passage of emergency vehicles carrying patients.

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