Women’s Safety a ‘Joke’ in Odisha, Claims Congress

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday lashed out at the Odisha government, alleging that women’s safety in the state has become a “joke.” He claimed that crimes against women have been on the rise, both under the previous BJD regime and the current BJP government.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Khera, the chairman of the AICC Media & Publicity Department, along with Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das, criticized the BJP-led state government for failing to constitute a House Committee to probe the increasing incidents of crimes against women.

The Congress has been vocal in the Odisha Assembly over the issue, with its MLAs creating a ruckus in the House over the past few days. They have been demanding the formation of a House Committee to investigate the alleged rise in crimes against women since the BJP came to power in the state nine months ago.

In response, Speaker Pramila Mallik suspended all 14 Congress MLAs in two phases on March 25 and 26. The opposition party has slammed the suspensions, calling them an attempt to silence dissent and avoid accountability.

“The safety of women in Odisha has been severely compromised. The ruling party has failed to take adequate measures to curb crimes against women. The fact that they are unwilling to set up a House Committee speaks volumes about their intent,” said Khera.

Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in the state, alleging that women continue to face injustice and insecurity. He vowed that the Congress would continue to press for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has defended its stand, stating that law enforcement agencies are actively working to ensure women’s safety and justice. However, the opposition has maintained that mere assurances are not enough, and concrete action is necessary to address the growing concerns.

The issue is expected to remain a key political flashpoint in Odisha, with Congress vowing to intensify its agitation against the government over women’s safety in the coming days.