Hospital officials deny lack of oxygen caused the deaths, saying alternative supplies were found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on encephalitis and unspecified issues related to delivery of the infants. The issue of the unpaid bills for oxygen supply has become a flashpoint in relations between the hospital and the state government, after the suspended hospital chief on Saturday accused state officials of not answering his requests for money. Meanwhile, opposition parties have stepped up the pressure on the state government, demanding the resignations of Adityanath and the state health minister. “This government is a murderer,” said Raj Babbar, head of the opposition Congress party in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is India’s most populous and politically prized state, where the BJP’s thumping victory has strengthened Modi’s claim to a second term in 2019.

Source: The Guardian August 13, 2017 14:37 UTC