Congress Leads Charge Over Rising Violence Against Women

Bhubaneswar, July 21, (OT webdesk)— The Congress party has taken a defiant stance against the BJP-led Odisha government following two harrowing cases of violence against women—one involving the self-immolation of Soumyashree in Balasore and another, an arson attack on a minor girl in Puri.

These incidents have triggered intense political backlash and widespread demands for justice and systemic reform.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das condemned what he termed government “inaction and silence,” highlighting the absence of a State Women’s Commission as a critical institutional void.

Congress pledged unwavering support for the victims and announced a statewide observance of “Shraddhanjali Diwas” on July 24, calling for silent prayers and closure of educational institutions.

A fact-finding team led by Congress Women’s Wing Vice-President Sashmita Behera has been deployed to investigate both cases, with Das vowing, “We will not rest until justice is served.”

However, Congress’s credibility took a blow with the arrest of Youth Congress President Udit Pradhan on rape charges.

The party swiftly suspended him and initiated an internal probe, reaffirming its commitment to accountability.

The BJP pounced on this development, accusing Congress of hypocrisy.

BJP Youth Wing President Abhilash Panda demanded Das’s resignation and cited Pradhan’s alleged criminal history as a failure of moral judgment within Congress ranks.

Meanwhile, the BJD called for a fair and impartial investigation into all cases of violence against women, reiterating its support for a zero-tolerance policy.

Student wing ABVP escalated protests by burning effigies of Congress leaders and holding condolence meetings for the victims, intensifying the political firestorm.

As Odisha reels from these tragedies, citizens await decisive action from political leaders.

Shraddhanjali Diwas is expected to galvanise further activism, with public sentiment demanding institutional safeguards and justice for women.