Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: The Women’s Wing of the Odisha Congress on Wednesday staged a massive demonstration in Bhubaneswar, protesting the alleged rise in crimes against women across the state. The agitation, held near Lower PMG, turned tense as protesters clashed with police personnel while attempting to march toward the Odisha Legislative Assembly to gherao it.

Led by Odisha Pradesh Mahila Congress (OPMC) President Meenakshi Bahinipati, hundreds of women workers shouted slogans against the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to protect women. In a symbolic act, marigold flowers were hurled during the protest to express anger.

“This government has completely failed to provide safety to women. From colleges to workplaces, women are unsafe. Even in the capital, a woman traffic constable was murdered inside a police office. Yet the government remains silent,” Bahinipati told reporters. She added that the protest ahead of Durga Puja symbolized women as “Maa Shakti,” demanding respect and protection.

Senior leaders including Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Suresh Kumar Routray also joined the protest, citing alarming figures of rape, harassment, and missing women. They vowed to continue their agitation until strong action is taken.

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