Bhubaneswar: The political temperature in Odisha is rising as opposition parties, primarily the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress, are aggressively focusing on the issue of women’s safety to corner the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government. With the political landscape witnessing a reversal of roles after the 2024 elections, both parties are leaving no stone unturned in highlighting what they claim is a deteriorating law and order situation and safety of women under the current dispensation.
The BJD, which governed the state for over two decades, is now positioning itself as a strong voice against the alleged rise in crimes against women. Party leaders have been vocal in criticizing the BJP Government’s handling of law and order, citing statistics and expressing concerns over the functionality of women and child desks in police stations – a system they had previously championed.
Their strategy includes directly appealing to the Union Government, with demands for the Prime Minister’s intervention and the enactment of stricter laws for women’s safety. The BJD’s youth and student wings have also taken to the streets, organizing protests and threatening further escalation if the situation doesn’t improve, signaling a clear intent to keep this issue at the forefront of public discourse.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has adopted an even more strident stance, labeling the situation of women’s safety in Odisha as a “joke.” Their approach has been multifaceted, utilizing both legislative and public demonstration tactics. Earlier Congress MLAs have disrupted assembly proceedings, demanding a House Committee to investigate the surge in crimes against women. The subsequent suspension of some MLAs further underscores their determination to make this a contentious point within the State Legislature. Outside the Assembly, the party has staged significant protests, including demonstrations near the Chief Minister’s residence, aiming to amplify their message of governmental failure in ensuring women’s security.
The Congress has also been strategic in its use of data and specific instances to bolster its claims. By highlighting the number of missing women and girls and referencing sensitive cases, they are attempting to create a narrative of widespread insecurity. The recent introduction of a no-confidence motion, despite lacking the numerical strength for success, is a calculated move to force the BJD to publicly address the issue and expose any perceived inconsistencies in their stance. This tactical gambit positions the Congress as a key opposition force holding the government accountable.
However, the Congress’s critique has not been without its challenges. The BJP has been quick to seize on instances such as the arrest of a Congress student wing leader in connection with a rape case, using it to question the opposition party’s moral authority on the issue. While the Congress has taken action against the accused, the incident has provided ammunition for the ruling party to counter the opposition’s narrative.
In conclusion, the political arena in Bhubaneswar is witnessing a concerted effort by both the BJD and the Congress to fuel the debate surrounding women’s safety in Odisha. As the opposition parties intensify their scrutiny and employ various strategies to highlight their concerns, the BJP Government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment and effectiveness in ensuring the security of women in the state.
This battleground over women’s safety is likely to remain a central theme in Odisha’s political landscape in the days to come, with each party vying to gain public trust and political mileage from this critical issue. Will Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi take a call to review law and order situation vis-a-vis women safety, which it seems State Police has failed to tackle, opine political analysts.