Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has sharply criticized the current BJP-led state government over what he called a “systemic failure of governance” following a series of horrifying crimes against women, including the recent incident in Balanga, Puri district, where a young girl was allegedly set on fire in broad daylight.
Expressing deep anguish, Patnaik said such incidents were no longer isolated, but part of a disturbing trend that reflected the worsening law and order situation in the state.
“These are not stray cases of violence. Such horrific incidents occurring with shocking regularity show that Odisha is becoming highly unsafe for women due to government inaction and political patronage,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Patnaik drew attention to a string of violent episodes, including the self-immolation of a girl in FM College after allegedly being denied justice, and another gruesome crime in Gopalpur last month. He said the impunity with which these acts were committed indicated emboldened criminals and a lack of fear of punishment under the current administration.
He questioned the government’s response and demanded urgent action:
“Will the Odisha Govt wake up from this deep slumber and ensure the criminals are arrested? And more importantly, will they take real steps to prevent such crimes from recurring? The girls and women of Odisha await a response.”
His remarks have sparked fresh debate over women’s safety in the state, as pressure mounts on the BJP-led government to act decisively.
