Bhubaneswar: Youth and student wings of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged demonstrations across Odisha on Wednesday alleging alarming rise in crime against women in in the state.
Holding placards and banners, slogan-shouting activists of the opposition party staged protest in front of different colleges and universities, burning tires and effigies at various places.
The protest demonstration, organised by Biju Yuba Janata Dal and Biju Chhattra Janata Dal, was aimed to highlight alleged alarming rise in rape, murder, and heinous crimes against women in the state. The demonstration also took place simultaneously at multiple colleges and universities in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
Addressing the protesters near a college in Bhubaneswar, a senior leader accused the BJP government in the state of having failed to ensure safety and security of women. The law and order situation in the state is in danger and no woman is safe here, he said, adding that the situation will worsen if the government fails to take immediate action.
Many students reportedly boycotted classes, wore black badges, and held picketing demonstrations across the state.
In Bhubaneswar, students from Rajadhani College joined the protest, demanding immediate action to prevent crimes against women and ensure their protection, justice, and respect. A protest demonstration was held near the Utkal University.
BJD leaders Byomkesh Ray and Devi Ranjan Tripathy lashed out at the BJP government accusing it of being indifferent towards the rising crimes against women. Since the BJP came to power, the law and order situation has steadily worsened. Every day, newspapers are filled with disturbing reports of young women being harassed, raped, kidnapped, or murdered, they alleged.
The BJD cited recent incidents, including the gang rape of a college girl at Gopalpur sea beach, which have insulted Odisha on the world map. According to the BJD, over 15 women are victims of rape and torture every day.
Meanwhile, a fact-finding team of All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Tuesday alleged that women are no longer safe in Odisha under the BJP rule as there has been a substantial rise in incidents of rape, gang-rape and other crimes against them in the past one year.
The all-women team of the Congress led by former MP and national general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi visited Ganjam, Keonjhar, Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj districts where incidents of crime against women have taken place during the last one month.
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, Dasmunsi alleged that the BJP government in the state has failed to initiate any action to ensure safety of women.
Even Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi does not have time to listen to the sufferings of women. The chief minister did not give appointment to the Congrfess team to discuss the issue, she said.
After visiting several places, the team was shocked to find that the situation has deteriorated so much in the state, she added.
