Commotion Erupts in Odisha Assembly as Congress Calls for Women’s Safety Panel
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Synopsis
The Odisha Assembly faced significant disruption as Congress members demanded a House committee to address rising women's safety issues, criticizing the BJP government's handling of the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Assembly session disrupted by Congress.
- Demand for House committee on women's safety.
- Party alleges increased atrocities against women.
- Congress plans further protests on the issue.
- Call for stringent laws against crimes targeting women.
Bhubaneswar, March 19 (NationPress) The Odisha Legislative Assembly experienced significant disruption on Wednesday as opposition Congress members strongly advocated for the establishment of a House committee focused on women's safety. The party has accused the BJP government of allowing a rise in atrocities against women in the state over the past eight months.
In the midst of the chaos, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the session first until noon and then again until 4 p.m.
Following the uproar, Congress MLAs gathered to protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located within the Assembly grounds.
Addressing reporters, Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam remarked, “The coverage in various newspapers highlights the dire situation for women in the state. Mothers are currently at risk. The law-and-order condition has completely deteriorated in Odisha. Since the BJP government took charge, the situation has worsened. We insist on the formation of a House committee to discuss women's safety issues.”
Kadam emphasized that the Congress party would persist in its protests until the government agrees to establish a House committee dedicated to women's safety.
He further announced plans to conduct a gherao of the Odisha Assembly regarding this matter on March 27.
Senior Congress figure Tara Prasad Bahinipati suggested that a House committee of the Vidhan Sabha, including legislators from all political parties, should be constituted to investigate and deliberate on various aspects related to crimes against women.
He also mentioned that the Congress has been advocating for the implementation of a law that ensures severe penalties for those convicted of offenses against women.
“The government has provided its response regarding the concerns raised by the Congress during discussions on an adjournment motion on Tuesday. So, what justified the protest today?” questioned BJP MLA Irasis Acharya.
He accused the opposition Congress and Biju Janata Dal of disrupting the House proceedings without valid causes, acting purely for their political agendas.
