What Actions Are BJD and Congress Taking Regarding the Odisha Student Tragedy?
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Synopsis
Amid rising tensions over a tragic incident involving a student in Odisha, BJD and Congress are urging President Murmu for a meeting. This call for action highlights the ongoing issues of women's safety and justice within the state. Read on to discover their demands and the background of this alarming situation.
Key Takeaways
- BJD and Congress are demanding action for women's safety.
- The tragic incident highlights a broader issue of harassment.
- Calls for accountability from the government are increasing.
- Victims often face roadblocks in seeking justice.
- Political leaders are urged to take the matter seriously.
Bhubaneswar, July 13 (NationPress) In the wake of significant public outcry over a female student's self-immolation attempt at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, opposition parties—the Biju Janata Dal and Congress—have each sent letters to President Droupadi Murmu. They are requesting a meeting with her during her upcoming two-day visit to Odisha starting on Monday, aiming to highlight this tragic incident that has left the state in shock.
During a press conference held on Sunday, senior BJD leader Tukuni Sahu asserted that this alarming event is indicative of a broader issue, claiming that under the BJP government over the past 13 months, the safety and security of women and students have drastically declined. She emphasized that despite the frequent occurrence of such distressing incidents, the state government appears to be inactive.
“With the President of India visiting Odisha, a BJD delegation is eager to meet her to discuss the pressing issue of women's safety in the state. An email has already been sent requesting this meeting,” Sahu explained. The BJD has also raised concerns regarding the state government's involvement in the tragic self-immolation attempt of Soumyashree Bisi, a B.Ed student at the college.
The victim had previously filed a complaint with the college administration and reached out to the Chief Minister, the Union Education Minister, and the State Higher Education Minister, pleading for justice, but her efforts were in vain.
The party contends that the victim resorted to this extreme measure after feeling hopeless in her quest for justice.
In a separate correspondence, Bhakta Charan Das, president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, has also requested a meeting with President Murmu, accompanied by former OPCC presidents Niranjan Patnaik, Jaydev Jena, Prasad Harichandan, Sarat Patnaik, and former Union Minister Srikanta Jena. They intend to present a memorandum concerning Soumyashree's self-immolation.
In his letter, Das detailed the severe sexual harassment the victim faced at the hands of her department head, Samir Kumar Sahu, and how her distress went unaddressed. “The apathy shown by the college authorities, police, and political leaders both at the district and state levels is utterly condemnable,” stated the OPCC president.
He urged the President to allocate just five minutes from her busy schedule during her visit on July 14 and 15. “We humbly request you to spare us a few moments for the submission of our memorandum, for which we would be immensely grateful,” Das concluded.
Point of View
The ongoing situation in Odisha reflects a disturbing trend regarding the safety of women and students. The calls for accountability from both BJD and Congress highlight the necessity for systemic change. The nation must prioritize the protection of its citizens and ensure that justice is served in cases of harassment and violence.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What incident triggered the outrage in Odisha?
The outrage was triggered by the self-immolation attempt of Soumyashree Bisi, a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, after she felt neglected in her quest for justice.
What actions have BJD and Congress taken?
Both BJD and Congress have sent letters to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting a meeting to discuss women's safety and justice in light of the incident.
What specific issues are being raised by the opposition parties?
The opposition parties are raising concerns about the deteriorating safety and security of women and students under the current BJP government in Odisha.
How did the victim seek help before the incident?
Soumyashree had lodged complaints with college authorities and sought intervention from state and union officials, but her pleas went unanswered.
What is the response from the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee?
The OPCC has condemned the negligence shown by the college and political authorities, emphasizing the need for immediate action and justice for the victim.
