The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has reappointed senior Congress leader Minakshi Bahinipati as the President of the Odisha Pradesh Mahila Congress for a second term.
This decision comes as part of the party’s efforts to revamp its organizational structure in Odisha, aiming to bolster its women’s wing ahead of crucial political engagements.
The announcement has been warmly welcomed by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, Bhakta Charan Das, who congratulated Bahinipati on her reappointment. Expressing her gratitude, Minakshi Bahinipati thanked the party leadership for entrusting her with this responsibility.
In her statement, she voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of violence against women across Odisha, from urban centres to rural areas. “Women are not safe anywhere in the state. Every day, mothers, daughters, and sisters face threats to their security,” she said, pledging to carry forward Rahul Gandhi’s campaign to ensure women’s safety and empowerment.
Bahinipati emphasized her commitment to strengthening the Mahila Congress and mobilizing women to advocate for justice and security. She aims to organize the women’s wing to align with the Congress party’s vision of empowering women and addressing their concerns effectively.
A seasoned leader, Minakshi Bahinipati has previously served as the Chairperson of Koraput NAC and as the President of the Koraput District Congress Committee for a decade, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills. Before the recent elections, she played a pivotal role in fortifying the Mahila Congress. Following the polls, the AICC restructured the Odisha Congress, appointing Bhakta Charan Das as PCC President, who has since worked to revitalize the state unit over the past four months. The reappointment comes at a critical time when women’s safety has become a pressing issue in Odisha.
Under the BJP government, over 60 cases of gang rape have been reported since they assumed power, drawing national and international attention. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump recently advised American citizens against travelling to Odisha due to safety concerns.
In response, the AICC dispatched five senior Congress women leaders and MPs to investigate the situation in areas like Gopalpur and Keonjhar, highlighting the severity of the issue.
As the BJP and BJD vie for women voters, the Congress is intensifying its efforts to address gender-based violence and empower women through its organisational initiatives.
Minakshi Bahinipati’s leadership is expected to galvanise the Mahila Congress, with widespread support from party leaders, workers, and women leaders across Odisha.
