The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday launched a scathing critique of Odisha’s law-and-order situation, warning of intensified protests across the state if immediate action isn’t taken.
Led by prominent women leaders, including BJD Vice President Pramila Mallik and General Secretaries Snehangini Chhuria and Tukuni Sahu, the party painted a grim picture of rising crime and alleged government apathy.
In a joint press conference, the BJD accused the BJP-led state administration of neglecting public safety while instead focusing on what it described as “false propaganda.” Mallik questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to celebrate one year of BJP governance in Odisha, asserting that such celebrations ring hollow amidst spiralling crimes, particularly against women and children.
“The law and order machinery has collapsed,” said Mallik, referencing over 3,054 reported rape cases in the past year. She demanded that Modi personally assess the situation before engaging in ceremonial festivities.
Highlighting national crime trends, Snehangini Chhuria pointed out that eight of India’s ten most crime-prone states are under BJP rule. She criticised the non-functional status of many women and child help desks in over 600 police stations, once considered a hallmark of former CM Naveen Patnaik’s safety initiatives.
The BJD emphasised that unless urgent measures are taken, they will intensify agitation with large-scale street protests.
