Bhubaneswar witnessed high-voltage political demonstrations on Wednesday as members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress took to the streets, protesting what they call a surge in crimes against women across Odisha.
The Odisha Pradesh Youth Congress led a march from AG Square toward Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence on Rajpath, denouncing the law-and-order situation and alleged atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Their slogans and placards called for urgent intervention to protect vulnerable communities. Police halted the protest midway and detained several participants.
Congress leader Yashir Nawaz accused the BJP-led government of failing its citizens, citing incidents of brutality, including the stripping and assault of Dalit men. “Despite national attention, the state government continues to ignore its responsibilities,” he stated, underscoring the need for accountability through this protest action.
Simultaneously, youth and student wings of the BJD—BYJD and BCJD—held coordinated protests across major educational hubs in Odisha. Demonstrations erupted at institutions including Utkal University, Ramadevi Women University, OUAT, and BJB College, where students decried increasing violence against women.
BJD leader Ipsita Sahoo expressed deep concern over the growing number of assault and harassment cases, alleging inadequate governmental response. “This is about protecting the dignity and safety of women in Odisha,” she emphasized, urging the administration to enact stronger measures and uphold public trust.