The streets of Odisha resonated with chants of protest on Wednesday as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) student and youth wings launched a sweeping statewide demonstration against the escalating incidents of crimes targeting women.
From university campuses to city squares, students donned black badges, burned effigies, and raised slogans demanding that the government take swift, decisive steps to restore safety for women across the state. Major academic institutions, including Rajadhani College and Utkal University, witnessed picketing and class boycotts as part of the “All Odisha Student Strike.”
Addressing the spirited crowd in Begunia, MLA Pradeep Sahu voiced sharp criticism of the current state administration. “The law and order situation is deteriorating. Women live in fear — our silence now will only embolden this menace,” he warned.
BJD leaders Byomkesh Ray and Devi Ranjan Tripathy echoed similar sentiments, accusing the ruling BJP of apathy. “Odisha’s daily headlines speak of atrocities — harassment, abductions, and worse. This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a crisis,” said Ray, referencing the recent gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach as a devastating example.
According to data cited by the BJD, over 15 women fall victim to rape or physical abuse every day in Odisha — a statistic the party claims has tarnished the state’s reputation globally.
