Congress Stages Protest Against Rising Crimes Against Women

Koraput: The Koraput District Congress Committee staged a protest demonstration on Monday against the increase in crimes against women in Odisha after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in the state. The protestors also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor.

The protest rally was led by Senior Congress Leader of Mahila Congress, Minakshi Bahinipati, and District Congress President, Shashi Bhushan Patra. Hundreds of Congress leaders and workers from various parts of the district joined the march from Mausima Temple to the District Collector’s office.

Protest Meeting and Accusations Against the Government

A protest meeting was held in front of the District Collector’s office, presided over by District President Shri Patra. Protestors chanted slogans demanding women’s safety and development and accused the BJP government of failing to control crimes against women during its eight-month rule.

According to Congress, in the past eight months, around 1,600 women and minor girls have been subjected to violence and exploitation. The party also alleged that tribal and Dalit women have become particularly vulnerable under the BJP-led government.

Former MP Jairam Pangi, who participated in the protest, criticized the BJP government, stating that while the party talks about good governance, the reality is misgovernance, leaving women in unsafe conditions. He further pointed out that in just eight months, there have been 54 cases of gang rape and two cases of minor schoolgirls becoming mothers, highlighting the government’s failure in maintaining law and order.

Key Leaders Present at the Protest

The protest meeting was conducted by Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization’s State General Secretary, Rupak Turuk, and Senior Congress Leader, Manoj Acharya. Other notable attendees included:

Babulal Beniya (Koraput MP Representative)

Namita Majhi (Block President)

Narendra Mohanty (Chairman, Jeypore Municipality)

Sukanta Pattnaik

Bhagaban Bahinipati

Ramesh Khara

Memorandum Submitted to the Governor

After the protest, a memorandum addressed to the Governor was submitted to the District Collector. The Additional District Collector, Alomani Sethi, accepted the petition on behalf of the Governor.