The issue of violence against women in Odisha has ignited a fierce political confrontation, with the Congress party leading a strong charge against the state government while facing internal challenges and counterattacks from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
At the heart of the controversy are the tragic self-immolation of Soumyashree in Balasore FM College and the horrific arson attack on a minor girl in Puri Balanga, which have spotlighted systemic failures in ensuring women’s safety.
At a press conference held at Congress Bhawan, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das launched a scathing critique of the BJP-led state government, accusing it of inaction and silence in addressing the rising tide of atrocities against women. Das emphasised Congress’s “zero tolerance” stance on crimes against women, stating, “Congress will not compromise on women’s dignity and justice. Whether it’s Soumyashree’s suicide in Balasore or the Nimapada incident, our fight for justice will only intensify.” He criticised the government for failing to appoint a State Women’s Commission, leaving victims without institutional support, and accused it of shielding perpetrators linked to its student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
In response to the Balasore tragedy, Congress has announced a statewide “Shraddhanjali Diwas” on July 24 to honour Soumyashree and has called for a one-minute silent prayer in colleges and universities, along with a day-long closure of educational institutions to mourn the loss. A six-member committee, led by Congress Women’s Wing Vice-President Sashmita Behera, has been dispatched to meet victims and investigate the incidents, with a directive to submit a report promptly. Das reiterated, “Congress will not rest until justice is served, and our movement will grow stronger.”
However, the Congress faced a significant setback with the arrest of its state Youth Congress President, Udit Pradhan, on charges of rape in Bhubaneswar’s Mancheswar police station. The party swiftly suspended Pradhan and formed a fact-finding team to probe the allegations, underscoring its commitment to accountability. Das defended the move, stating, “We act decisively against any injustice, unlike the government, which turns a blind eye.”
The BJP, seizing the opportunity, accused Congress of hypocrisy. At a parallel press conference, BJP Youth Wing President Abhilash Panda lambasted Congress, claiming that Pradhan’s arrest exposed the party’s “dual face” on women’s safety. Panda demanded PCC President Das’s resignation on moral grounds, alleging that Congress had appointed a leader with a prior criminal record, including charges of dacoity and extortion, as Youth Congress head. “While Congress sheds crocodile tears for women’s justice, their own leader is involved in such heinous acts,” Panda said, citing past controversies like the Anjana Mishra and Naina Sahani cases to paint Congress as complicit in protecting offenders.
The BJD, meanwhile, called for an impartial investigation into the allegations against Pradhan and urged the government to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy across all cases of violence against women. BJD spokesperson Ipsita Sahu stated, “The allegations against the Youth Congress President are grave. The government must ensure a fair probe and exemplary punishment for the guilty, not just in this case but in all incidents of atrocities against women.”
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) escalated the protests by staging a demonstration at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, burning effigies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Bhakta Charan Das. ABVP members questioned how Congress could appoint someone with a questionable background as Youth Congress President and demanded Das’s resignation. They also held a condolence meeting for the Balasore victim, accusing the government of failing to deliver justice.
The political slugfest has raised critical questions about accountability, governance, and the state’s commitment to women’s safety. Congress’s call for systemic reforms, including the appointment of a Women’s Commission, has found resonance among activists, but the arrest of its Youth Congress President has dented its moral authority. Meanwhile, the BJP’s swift counterattacks and the BJD’s demand for impartial probes highlight the deepening divide over addressing gender-based violence in Odisha.
As the state grapples with these tragedies, the public awaits concrete action from both the government and political parties to ensure justice and prevent further atrocities.
Congress has vowed to continue its agitation until women’s safety is prioritised, while the BJP defends its government’s “swift action” in arresting the accused. The coming days, particularly the planned Shraddhanjali Diwas, are likely to see intensified protests and further political manoeuvring as Odisha confronts this pressing crisis.
