Did Alka Lamba Just Blast the Odisha Government Over Student's Tragic Death?
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Synopsis
In a passionate address, Alka Lamba, President of All India Mahila Congress, condemned the Odisha government for failing to protect women, following the tragic death of a student. Join the call for justice and support the upcoming statewide bandh on July 17. Will this protest lead to the accountability demanded by the people of Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- Alka Lamba criticizes the Odisha government for its failure to protect women.
- A statewide bandh is scheduled for July 17.
- There is a growing demand for Chief Minister Majhi's resignation.
- Congress seeks to impose President’s Rule in Odisha.
- Public support is crucial for addressing women’s safety issues.
Bhubaneswar, July 16 (NationPress) The President of All India Mahila Congress, Alka Lamba, fiercely criticized the Odisha government on Wednesday regarding the tragic death of a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. She called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, labeling him as ‘inexperienced’ and accusing him of failing to protect women from violence in the state.
In her address, she urged the people of Odisha to step out and support the 'Odisha bandh', a statewide general strike organized by the Congress and other parties scheduled for July 17.
During a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Lamba claimed that the situation for women in Odisha has deteriorated under the BJP-led administration.
“The state machinery has failed alarmingly. A girl had to resort to self-immolation to seek justice. If this doesn’t prompt a reaction from the Chief Minister, then what will?” she inquired.
Lamba held the ruling government accountable for the student's demise, attributing it to administrative negligence and a lack of accountability.
“When law enforcement collapses, when criminals operate freely, and victims perish waiting for justice, it’s time for the Chief Minister to resign. We demand his immediate departure and urge the Centre to impose President’s Rule in Odisha,” she asserted.
She also criticized the delays in medical care and the lack of swift action from the authorities.
“Timely intervention could have saved her life. The system was silent while a young girl faced devastation—both literally and metaphorically,” she lamented.
Highlighting a recent conversation between Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the victim's father, Lamba stated, “Rahul Gandhi spoke to the grieving father not merely as a politician but with the empathy of a son. He assured the family that Congress would stand by them until justice prevails.”
She also criticized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for targeting Rahul Gandhi for his vocal support on the matter.
Questioning the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government, she asked, “Why is the central government quiet in the face of such brutality in Odisha? Why no action? Is a girl’s life insignificant compared to political interests?”
Alka Lamba confirmed that Congress will observe a statewide bandh on July 17 to protest the government’s inaction and to demand the Chief Minister’s resignation.
She mentioned that the party will call for the imposition of President’s Rule in Odisha during the forthcoming Lok Seva session.
“Our protest will be peaceful, democratic, and geared towards justice. We urge the people of Odisha to join this bandh and raise their voices for the safety of our daughters,” she concluded.
Lamba emphasized that Congress will escalate their protests if immediate action is not taken.
“This is just the beginning. Congress, in collaboration with the people of Odisha, will strive until every daughter in the state feels secure and justice is achieved,” she stated.
Point of View
We stand firm in our commitment to uncover the truth and advocate for justice. The tragic death of a young girl highlights systemic failures that need urgent redress. It is imperative that both state and national authorities take action to ensure the safety and rights of women across the country.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Odisha bandh about?
The Odisha bandh is a statewide general strike organized by Congress and other parties to protest the government's inaction following the tragic death of a student.
Why did Alka Lamba call for the Chief Minister's resignation?
Alka Lamba holds the Odisha government responsible for failing to protect women and for administrative negligence that contributed to the student's death.
What actions does Congress plan to take?
Congress plans to observe a statewide bandh on July 17 and demand President's Rule in Odisha during the upcoming Lok Seva session.
How can citizens participate in the protest?
Citizens are encouraged to join the bandh on July 17 to voice their concerns for women's safety and support the demand for justice.
What was Rahul Gandhi's involvement in this situation?
Rahul Gandhi spoke with the victim's father, promising support from Congress until justice is served.
