Political Unrest Erupts in Odisha Following College Student's Tragic Self-Immolation Attempt

Political Tensions Rise in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A 20-year-old college student is currently in critical condition at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after attempting self-immolation due to an alleged incident of sexual harassment. This tragic event has ignited significant political unrest in Odisha, prompting opposition parties to organize protests and press conferences.

Both the BJD and Congress have accused the ruling BJP of failing to ensure women's safety in the state, leading to multiple demonstrations in Bhubaneswar and Balasore.

Meenakshi Bahinipati, president of the Odisha Mahila Congress, along with MLA Sofia Firdous, held a press conference in Delhi to raise awareness about women's safety issues at the national level.

In Odisha, Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam, along with former Union minister Srikant Jena, demanded a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, claiming the victim was denied justice before her suicide attempt.

"We have been highlighting women's safety concerns for a long time. The situation in the state is alarming; girls are not safe on campus," Kadam stated.

A fact-finding team from Congress quickly traveled to Balasore to meet with students and gather information about the incident.

The BJD also protested near Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, burning effigies of the chief minister, the higher education minister, and the local MP, while calling for strict action against those responsible.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the victim at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, expressing his concern for her health and discussing her condition with medical staff.

"The priority is the girl's health. We are not engaging in politics over this unfortunate incident. Let the opposition do their politics. I trust the state government will take appropriate action. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has already visited the hospital to meet the victim's family," Pradhan remarked in a post on X.

Pradhan also expressed concern about the decline of the 'Guru-Sishya' tradition in Odisha.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida criticized opposition leaders for politicizing the situation, asserting that the state government has acted swiftly and decisively. She noted that CM Majhi has visited AIIMS to check on the victim's health.

"The Congress spokesperson, who criticized the Odisha government today in Delhi, seems unaware of their party's history regarding women's issues. The Odisha government will not be lenient with any accused, nor will it allow anyone to evade justice. Congress should refrain from making baseless allegations," Parida stated.

With President Droupadi Murmu visiting the state for two days, both BJD and Congress delegations are preparing to meet her to discuss the ongoing situation.

Odisha BJP vice-president Biranchi Narayan Tripathy claimed that evidence on social media suggests that Congress activists may have incited the young woman to attempt suicide.

"While Congress engages in dirty politics, the BJP government in Odisha is committed to the empowerment and welfare of women," Tripathy asserted.