Ahead of PM visit, BJD, Congress corner BJP govt. in Odisha over rising incidents of crime against women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being felicitated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. File | Photo Credit: ANI

Opposition parties on Thursday (June 19, 2025) trained their guns on the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha by highlighting rising incidents of crime against women, particularly in the wake of multiple cases of gang-rape that have rocked the State recently.

The Opposition has upped the ante amid the first anniversary celebrations of the government, which is set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 20, 2025).

The Congress announced a one-day hunger strike highlighting deteriorating law and order situation in the State on Friday, while women leaders of the principal opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on Thursday demanded that Mr. Modi first review the law and order situation in the State before participating in the celebrations.

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“Rapists and criminals have become emboldened by the inaction of the Mohan Majhi government despite the Congress raising the [issue of] crime against women vehemently inside and outside of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. This is not acceptable. Law and order must be the first priority of any government. Women must feel safe,” said Bhakta Charan Das, president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee.

“The PM is visiting Odisha tomorrow to attend a series of events marking one year of the BJP government in the State. Yet, he has chosen not to visit Gopalpur, where a college student was recently gang-raped in a brutal incident that has shaken the conscience of the State. His silence speaks volumes. Intoxicated by power, Mr. Modi seems to have given the BJP government in Odisha a free hand — to celebrate, while turning a blind eye to the pressing issues that demand empathy and action,” the veteran Congress leader said.

A team of three Congress leaders headed by Deep Dasmunsi is scheduled to visit Gopalpur on June 21.

‘3,054 rape case in one year’

Addressing a press conference, BJD women leaders said among the top 10 crime-prone States, eight are ruled by the BJP. “Over the past year, there has been a concerning rise in cases of rape, abduction, and murder in Odisha. As per government data presented in the Assembly, more than 3,054 rape cases were reported in the State in the past year. This clearly shows how unsafe women and children are in Odisha,” they pointed out.

Veteran BJD leader Pramilla Mallick said incidents of crime against women have risen sharply in the State. “Heinous crimes are taking place just before and during the visits of the PM to the State. It would have been better if the PM had visited Odisha after the law and order situation was brought under control. The PM should review the prevailing law and order in the State and take steps to improve it,” she said.

Former Minister and BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria said, “The PM may come and go, but the State’s law and order remains stagnant. Crimes against women and children are increasing steadily, yet the State government is busy promoting false achievements. The BJP’s ‘Odia identity’ slogan has turned into a farce,” Ms. Chhuria charged.

It is worth noting that the Berhampur police in the State had recently arrested 10 individuals in connection with the gang-rape of a college student at Gopapur beach in Ganjam district. Although most of the accused were taken into custody, the State government ordered a Crime Branch probe, widely seen as a face-saving measure.

Similarly, BJD leaders highlighted the case of the gang-rape and murder of a 17-year-old tribal girl within the Pandapada police station limits in Keonjhar district. In another incident from Mayurbhanj district, a police complaint was lodged alleging abduction and gang-rape of a woman, though the veracity of the complaint is yet to be ascertained.

Published - June 19, 2025 08:04 pm IST