Why Alka Lamba is Demanding President's Rule in Odisha Following Tragic Student Death

In a recent outcry, Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba has demanded the resignation of Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following the tragic death of a college student. The student, who had set herself on fire due to alleged harassment, passed away at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. Lamba's visit to the victim's family highlighted systemic failures in the state, leading her to call for the imposition of President's Rule. She criticized the Chief Minister's governance and emphasized the need for accountability, while also referencing Prime Minister Modi's previous statements on women's safety. The Congress party plans to continue advocating for women's rights in Odisha.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 15:14 IST

Call for Accountability in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Alka Lamba, the head of Mahila Congress, has called for the resignation of Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in light of a tragic incident involving a college student in Balasore district. She insists that President's Rule should be enacted in the state.

The second-year B.Ed student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College tragically passed away at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar on Monday night after setting herself ablaze on campus due to alleged inaction against a professor accused of sexual harassment.

During her visit to meet the victim's family, Lamba criticized the Odisha government, stating that the student’s death reflects systemic failures within the state.

She emphasized, "The Chief Minister, as the head of the system, must resign, and President's Rule should be implemented in Odisha."

Lamba referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous calls for President's Rule in Rajasthan, citing concerns for women's safety.

She noted that the Congress-led opposition has previously advocated for President's Rule in Manipur and plans to do the same in Odisha during the upcoming Lok Sabha session.

Lamba expressed her belief that the Chief Minister lacks the necessary experience to govern effectively, claiming he has failed in his first year.

She criticized the Chief Minister for displaying large posters of himself alongside PM Modi, arguing that the reality is that Odisha is facing significant challenges, particularly regarding the safety of women and girls.

Furthermore, she remarked that the Prime Minister should have expressed condolences to the victim's family in Odia, highlighting the victim's affiliation with the ABVP, the student wing of the RSS.

Lamba concluded by reaffirming the Congress party's commitment to advocating for the safety of women in the state.