BJP alleges laxity by State Govt on women’s security

The BJP Mahila Morcha on Monday announced to launch a 10-day State-wide campaign ‘Mahila Surakhsa and Samman Yatra’ from May 17  if the State Government does not take any steps to curb the rising number of atrocities against women.

The yatra would be led by leaders including State Mahila Morcha president Pravati Parida, Sangita Kumari Singh Deo, Kumudini Patnaik, Surama Padhi, Radharani Panda , Lekhashree Samantsinghar, Pinki Pradhan, Maheswatta Ray, Aparajita Mohanty and Anu Chaudhury and visit one crore households of 50,000 villages and sensitise about the failure of the State Government in providing security to women. 

On Monday, alleging inefficiency of State Government and police in checking atrocities against women, the Morcha activists went in a procession from the BJP office to Master Canteen Square and held a demonstration there.

Holding placards and banners, the party activists shouted slogans against the State Government for its alleged failure in providing security to women.

“As the rapists are either supporters or relatives of BJD members, police are being pressurised and prevented from taking proper action. Odisha is not at all safe for women as rapists are roaming scot-free,” alleged Pravati Parida.

Later, a delegation met the Governor and submitted a memorandum seeking his intervention in the issue.

In reaction, BJD spokesperson Amar Satpathy said the State Government is taking concrete steps for the safety and security of women. “Already, rape incidents are being treated as Red Flag cases and investigations done on a fast-track basis. Instead of blaming the Odisha Government, one should also consider the situation in the BJP-ruled States which is worse,” said Satpathy.