Bhubaneswar, June 25: The student and youth wings of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched a massive statewide protest on Tuesday, expressing strong resentment over the rising incidents of crimes against women in Odisha. Hundreds of college students boycotted classes and staged demonstrations in front of colleges and universities across the state, demanding immediate government intervention.

Protesters burnt tyres and effigies in several locations, while students wore black badges and held picketing demonstrations under the banner of the All Odisha Student Strike. At Rajadhani College in Bhubaneswar and Utkal University, students joined the agitation, calling for stringent action to ensure women’s safety, justice, and dignity.

Addressing the rally, Begunia MLA Pradeep Sahu lashed out at the BJP-led Odisha government, stating, “The law and order situation is collapsing. Women in Odisha feel unsafe, and the government remains silent.”

Senior BJD leaders Byomkesh Ray and Devi Ranjan Tripathy also criticized the ruling BJP for allegedly ignoring the surge in gender-based violence. Citing incidents like the gang rape of a college girl at Gopalpur sea beach, the BJD claimed that over 15 women fall victim to rape and torture every day, shaming Odisha globally.

Powered by Froala Editor