Why Did BJD Stage a Silent Protest for Justice?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) held a silent protest in Bhubaneswar, advocating for justice for a Balasore college student who died tragically. The protest highlighted not only individual suffering but also systemic failures in addressing issues of sexual harassment in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- BJD protests against injustice: The BJD organized a silent protest demanding justice for a female student.
- Call for judicial inquiry: The party insists on a judicial investigation into the circumstances of the student’s death.
- Accountability demanded: There are calls for the resignation of the Minister of State for Higher Education.
- Systemic issues highlighted: The protest underscores the need for systemic reforms in handling sexual harassment cases.
- Condemnation of police action: The police's response to earlier protests has been criticized for its brutality.
Bhubaneswar, July 18 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organized a silent demonstration at Janta Maidan beneath the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, seeking justice for the female student of Balasore Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who tragically passed away after self-immolating due to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member and the indifference of college authorities.
Numerous BJD members, leaders, and women activists assembled for this silent protest, with black cloths covering their mouths, holding placards and chanting slogans aimed at ensuring accountability and action against those implicated in this heartbreaking incident at FM College.
The party reaffirmed its call for a judicial inquiry into the unfortunate demise of the victim from FM College in Balasore and urged the resignation of the Minister of State for Higher Education for not providing assistance to the victim.
The BJD accused the BJP-led Union government and its local representatives of politicizing the tragedy and diverting attention from the fundamental injustices faced by the victim.
While addressing the crowd, BJD leaders stated, "We gather here, under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, to engage in peaceful protest. Gandhiji taught us the strength of nonviolent resistance."
The protestors claimed that the BJP and its MPs have tried to skew the narrative, misleading the public while disregarding the emotional and social turmoil that compelled the young girl to take such a drastic action.
"This issue transcends a single college or one individual; it represents a systemic failure. Justice delayed is justice denied," they emphasized.
The BJD also vehemently denounced the police response during prior protests, alleging that rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas were deployed against peaceful demonstrators.
"If our daughters had been part of that gathering, what would have been their fate? Such brutality is intolerable," a leader remarked.
The party called for stringent action against those accountable for the girl's death and the officials implicated in the alleged police brutality. "We will persist in our democratic struggle until justice is achieved," the leaders asserted.
Point of View
The tragic demise of the Balasore college student reveals critical flaws within our educational system. The BJD's protest serves as a clarion call for justice, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic reform to protect students from harassment. It's essential for authorities to address these issues with urgency and compassion.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the BJD protest?
The BJD protest was initiated to demand justice for a college student who died after self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment and negligence by college authorities.
Where did the protest take place?
The protest took place at Janta Maidan, under the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Bhubaneswar.
What actions did the BJD leaders call for?
BJD leaders called for a judicial inquiry into the incident and the resignation of the Minister of State for Higher Education.
What message did the protest convey?
The protest highlighted systemic failures in addressing sexual harassment in educational institutions and demanded accountability for the tragic incident.
How did the police respond to previous protests?
The BJD condemned police actions during earlier protests, stating that rubber bullets and tear gas were used against peaceful demonstrators.
