The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a large-scale gherao of the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday to protest the BJP-led state government’s inaction in addressing the tragic self-immolation of a 20-year-old BEd student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore.
The student, who succumbed to her injuries, had allegedly faced sexual harassment by a faculty member, prompting widespread outrage over the government’s failure to act on her complaints. The BJD, led by Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik, has accused the BJP-led state government of neglecting the victims’ grievances, which were reportedly brought to the attention of the local MLA, MP, Higher Education Minister, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The party has demanded the resignation of both the Chief Minister and the Higher Education Minister on moral grounds, citing a breakdown in law and order and the government’s failure to ensure women’s safety. In a press conference at the BJD’s headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, senior leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma called the incident a “black day” in India’s history, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation under the BJP’s rule. He demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge to investigate all individuals involved, including those who allegedly provided petrol or recorded videos during the incident.
BJD Vice-President Debi Mishra echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for accountability and justice. As part of its protest, the BJD has organised a candlelight rally in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening to honour the victim and amplify the call for justice. The party has also sought the intervention of Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati and approached President Droupadi Murmu to address the rising incidents of violence against women in Odisha.
A delegation from Biju Mahila Janata Dal, led by former Speaker Pramila Mallick, met the President to raise these concerns. Senior BJD leader Pratap Jena intensified the criticism, noting that even the U.S. President had expressed concern over women’s safety in Odisha. “Had the police, MLA, MP, ministers, or Chief Minister acted on the student’s complaints, this tragedy could have been averted,” Jena said. He stressed that the BJD would continue its agitation, including student-led protests, until a judicial inquiry is announced and justice is served. The party has also called for a public apology from the state government for its failure to act.
The planned gherao of Lok Seva Bhawan is expected to draw significant participation from BJD supporters, students, and civil society members, signaling mounting pressure on the BJP government to address the crisis and deliver justice for the victim.
