Congress Criticizes BJP Government in Odisha for Failing Women's Safety

Synopsis
The Congress party in Odisha has strongly criticized the BJP-led government for failing to ensure women's safety, citing alarming statistics on missing women and rising violence. Senior leader Pawan Khera emphasized the party's commitment to advocating for justice and safety for women in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Congress party condemns the BJP-led government's failure in women's safety.
- Statistics reveal alarming numbers of missing women in Odisha.
- Pawan Khera emphasizes the party's commitment to justice.
- Violence against women continues to rise in the state.
- The Congress plans to conduct widespread protests for women's rights.
Bhubaneswar, March 28 (NationPress) The Congress party, in opposition, sharply criticized the BJP-led government in Odisha on Friday regarding the rising incidents of crimes against women. They asserted that the administration under Mohan Charan Majhi has not succeeded in safeguarding women's rights in the state.
During a press conference, senior Congress figure Pawan Khera stated: "Despite the government's promises of schemes inspired by Goddess Subhadra, the safety of women remains compromised. In a region where violence against women and girls is prevalent, even divine tranquility appears to be absent."
Khera emphasized that Congress will persist in advocating for women's safety in Odisha.
“History demonstrates that irrespective of our numbers, we've consistently pursued justice,” he remarked.
He pointed out that it is ironic that women who are championing for improved safety measures have themselves become victims of violence.
He lamented that Odisha, once celebrated for its peace and beauty, is now facing turmoil under BJP governance.
Khera stated that during the tenure of the previous BJD government, approximately 44,000 women went missing.
“Alarmingly, within just eight months of BJP's administration, another 20,000 women have vanished. As we venerate Goddess Subhadra, our failure to safeguard our daughters is utterly disgraceful,” Khera expressed.
Pawan Khera, along with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president, Bhakta Charan Das, visited a hospital to meet the injured party members who were admitted.
In the press conference, OPCC president Das announced that the party will soon initiate Nari Nyaya Satyagrah at every district, block, and Panchayat headquarters throughout the state.
Das also contended that individuals involved in violent acts during the protest rally at PMG Square on Thursday were not affiliated with Congress.
In response to DGP Y.B. Khurania’s statement regarding actions against protestors involved in Thursday's violence, the OPCC president warned that the party would escalate its street protests if police took measures against Congress leaders who attended the gathering for protesting against violence towards women.
Importantly, the Bhubaneswar Police have begun identifying and apprehending those involved in the violence during the Congress protest rally on Thursday.
Police have initiated three cases regarding various charges, including rioting. More than 50 individuals, including several police personnel, were injured during confrontations between Congress supporters and law enforcement during the protest rally advocating for women's safety on Thursday.