Odisha Congress Protests Against Rising Crimes Against Women, Gheraos CM’s Residence

Bhubaneswar, Mar 1 – Odisha Congress activists staged a massive demonstration outside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence on Saturday, protesting against the rising atrocities against women in the state. The agitation, led by newly elected Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das, saw the participation of members from the District Congress, Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, and Chhatra Congress.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters marched from the party office to the CM’s residence, condemning what they termed as the “failure” of the BJP-led state government in ensuring women’s safety. As they attempted to breach police barricades, security personnel intervened, detaining several leaders and activists.

Addressing the gathering, Das alleged that 54 rape cases had been reported in Odisha in the past eight months under the BJP government, exposing the shortcomings of the so-called “double-engine government” in controlling crimes against women. He also highlighted multiple gang rape cases and incidents where minor girls in government-run schools were found to be pregnant, calling it a “complete breakdown of law and order.”

“This shameful situation has made a mockery of the BJP government’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ slogan,” Das remarked, vowing to intensify statewide agitations. He reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to fighting democratically for the safety and dignity of women.

Following heated confrontations, police rounded up the protesters and cleared the demonstration site. The Congress has announced further protests in the coming days to pressure the government into taking stricter measures against crimes against women.