Why Are BJP Yuva Morcha Members Protesting Against Congress in Odisha?
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Synopsis
Protests erupted in Bhubaneswar as BJP Yuva Morcha rallied against Congress following the arrest of Udit Pradhan over serious allegations. With accusations of double standards on women's safety, the BJP has intensified its scrutiny of the Congress party. What are the implications of this political clash on women's issues in Odisha?
Key Takeaways
- BJP Yuva Morcha protests against Congress in Bhubaneswar.
- Udit Pradhan arrested for alleged sexual abuse.
- Allegations against Pradhan include serious criminal charges.
- BJP accuses Congress of double standards on women's safety.
- Political accountability is essential in addressing women's rights issues.
Bhubaneswar, July 21 (NationPress) Members of the Odisha BJP Yuva Morcha organized protests in Bhubaneswar on Monday in response to the arrest of Udit Pradhan, the president of the Odisha Chhatra Congress, who was detained on Sunday for the alleged sexual abuse of a 19-year-old engineering student.
The protestors went so far as to burn effigies of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Bhakta Charan Das, the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, accusing the Congress party of providing cover for Pradhan.
Abhilash Panda, the president of the Odisha BJP Yuva Morcha, stated, “Udit Pradhan was arrested on serious charges including sexual harassment, attempt to murder, and other criminal offences. Yet, he was appointed as the State President of NSUI (Odisha) by Congress leadership, despite a history of multiple legal cases against him.” Panda highlighted previous incidents from 2020 and 2024 where serious charges were brought against Pradhan, including IPC 307 (attempt to murder) and IPC 354 (assault on a woman).
Panda questioned the decision-making of the Congress party in choosing someone with such a troubled past to represent the youth of the state.
He further criticized the Congress leaders for lacking the moral authority to criticize the state BJP government regarding issues of women's safety.
“The party that demands resignations from Chief Ministers over crimes against women is now harboring an accused with a documented history of violence and intimidation. This clearly exposes the double standards of Congress when it comes to women’s safety,” added Panda.
The ruling BJP has been under scrutiny following the recent tragic incident involving a B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College and has now intensified its assault on the Congress party following Pradhan’s arrest.
BJP national spokesperson K.K. Sharma remarked, “I would like to pose a question to Rahul Gandhi: you make grand proclamations regarding women’s dignity and recently called for an Odisha Bandh on this issue. Yet, in this current rape case, individuals associated with your party are implicated. Why the silence now? What actions will you take against those involved?”
He continued to challenge Rahul Gandhi’s silence regarding Pradhan and demanded to know what actions the Congress party plans to undertake against the NSUI president, who is accused of such a serious crime.
Sharma also alleged that recent reports concerning the FM college incident suggest a dubious role played by Congress’s student wing, the NSUI, in the sexual harassment and subsequent self-immolation of the B.Ed student.
In this context, he questioned Rahul Gandhi about the connection between the Congress student wing and these grave acts and called for clarity on what actions the Congress party will take against those responsible. The public is eager for answers from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party,” Sharma concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the complexities of this situation. The ongoing protests by BJP Yuva Morcha represent a significant political backlash against Congress, especially regarding women's safety issues. This incident underscores the need for accountability and transparency across political lines, as public trust in governance is at stake. The narrative surrounding women's rights must remain a priority, regardless of party affiliation.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protests by BJP Yuva Morcha in Odisha?
The protests were triggered by the arrest of Udit Pradhan, president of the Odisha Chhatra Congress, over allegations of sexual abuse against a 19-year-old engineering student.
Who did the BJP Yuva Morcha target during the protests?
During the protests, the BJP Yuva Morcha targeted Rahul Gandhi and Bhakta Charan Das, accusing them of shielding Udit Pradhan.
What are the main allegations against Udit Pradhan?
Udit Pradhan faces serious allegations including sexual harassment, attempt to murder, and other criminal offenses.
How has the BJP responded to the allegations against Pradhan?
The BJP has criticized Congress for appointing Pradhan despite his criminal history and has used this incident to question the Congress's stance on women's safety.
What is the broader implication of this political clash?
This political clash highlights the ongoing issues of women's safety in India and questions the integrity of political parties in addressing such serious allegations.
