Odisha Congress has announced a series of ‘mashaal’ (torchlight) rallies across the state’s 314 blocks on April 15, 2025, as part of its protests against the increasing cases of missing women and children.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das emphasized the party’s commitment to women’s safety, both inside and outside the state Assembly.
Das highlighted that over 60,000 women and children have gone missing in the state in recent years, urging immediate action from the government. Along with the block-level rallies, district headquarters will witness further protests on April 21, including padayatras, meetings, and demonstrations addressing broader issues such as drinking water shortages, mining scams, and farmers’ grievances.
Criticizing the BJP and BJD for their lack of action on these matters, Das called for symbolic demonstrations, asking women to display brooms during ministers’ visits to their areas. He also demanded the formation of a House Committee or a Special Investigation Team to probe the cases of missing women and children, expressing disappointment over the government’s perceived inaction.
