Congress Slams BJP Over Rising Crimes Against Women in Odisha

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das launched a severe critique against the ruling BJP administration on Friday, asserting that escalating violence against women highlights the failure of governance. Das highlighted a recent public assault in Rayagada as a troubling indicator of deteriorating law and order under the current leadership.

TNI Bureau: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP government, alleging that rising atrocities against women have become a grim reality under the party’s rule. Referring to the recent Rayagada incident in which a woman was allegedly stripped in public, Das remarked that “even public disrobing of women has become an achievement of BJP governance.”

The criticism came during an indefinite hunger strike organised by the Odisha Mahila Congress at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. Led by state Mahila Congress president Minakshi Bahinipati, the protest saw participation from over 2,000 women leaders and workers.

Bhakta Charan Das accused both the Centre and the Mohan Majhi-led Odisha government of remaining indifferent to increasing incidents of rape, murder and violence against women. He alleged that despite repeated demands by Congress legislators for the formation of a House Committee on women’s safety, the government failed to act.

Citing the recent Rayagada incident, Das said Odisha’s image had suffered nationally and internationally. He claimed that crimes against women were rising while the administration remained ineffective in controlling the situation. The Congress leader also accused the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state of neglecting women’s dignity despite making promises of security and empowerment.

Mahila Congress president Minakshi Bahinipati called upon women across the state to unite against what she described as growing injustice and violence. She alleged that repeated incidents of sexual assault and attacks on women reflected the government’s failure to ensure safety and justice.

Following the hunger strike, Mahila Congress workers took out a rally in Bhubaneswar, reiterating their opposition to the Prime Minister’s visit and demanding stronger measures for women’s protection.

History of Women Safety Protections in Odisha

The political friction over public safety in Odisha has intensified following leadership transitions in 2024. Historically, opposition parties have leveraged National Crime Records Bureau data to challenge sitting administrations on enforcement metrics. The recent escalation represents a coordinated effort by the Congress party to mobilize its regional base ahead of upcoming legislative sessions.

FAQs

What triggered the recent Congress protests in Odisha?

The demonstrations were sparked by an alleged public assault on a woman in Rayagada, alongside broader grievances regarding rising rates of violence against women across the state.

Who led the Mahila Congress hunger strike in Bhubaneswar?

The protest at Master Canteen Square was spearheaded by Odisha Mahila Congress President Minakshi Bahinipati and drew over 2,000 participants.

What legislative actions did the opposition demand?

Congress lawmakers repeatedly sought the establishment of a dedicated House Committee focused specifically on evaluating and improving women’s safety measures.

Why was the demonstration timed with the Prime Minister’s visit?

The opposition organized the rally and hunger strike to draw national attention to regional law enforcement issues during the Prime Minister’s official visit to Odisha.