"Govt failed to act on its responsibility": Odisha Congress on Balasore student's death
Jul 24, 2025
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 24 : Odisha unit of Congress slammed the BJP government in Odisha over the safety of women in the State and alleged that the govt has "failed in its responsibility", while referring to the death of 20-year-old Odisha college student, who set herself ablaze following alleged sexual harassment by a professor of her college.
On Odisha Congress holding "Shradhanjali Sabha" and silent prayer for Balasore student who died by self-immolation, state Congress chief Bhakta Charan Das told ANI that the State Congress Committee urged the people to observe a 1-minute prayer for the Balasore victim on Thursday.
The effort was "widespread" across the state, with prayer gatherings held in schools, colleges, and universities, as well as a symbolic event at 9:00 a.m. at the Congress office, he noted.
"The government failed to act on its responsibility. The Chief Minister( Mohan Charan Majhi) dismissed women's crimes as not an issue... This raises concerns about Odisha's situation. If they don't realise the justice due, they should withdraw or face opposition action. We're taking steps to protect women..."
Das on Wednesday severely lambasted the BJP government in Odisha over atrocities against women in the state.
Das also asked the main opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), to move a no-confidence motion against the state government and assured his party's support for it.
"Atrocities are being committed against women in Odisha. We have seen many incidents. The central and state governments are not taking responsibility and feeling ashamed. BJD, the opposition party, should move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government and Congress will support it," Das earlier told ANI.
The opposition in Odisha has criticised the BJP-led state government over a recent surge in crimes against women, which have drawn significant public attention.
The death of a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who had allegedly faced prolonged sexual harassment, has caused a massive political row in the state.
The victim had attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, sustaining over 90 per cent burn injuries, and succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.
