BJP Fails to Establish Trust in the System According to BJD
In a stark condemnation, Naveen Patnaik, the leader of opposition in Odisha’s State Legislative Assembly and former chief minister, has accused the BJP state government of failing to ensure women's safety, justice, and confidence in the legal system.
This criticism follows a series of tragic self-immolations by young girls in Odisha, including a recent 13-year-old girl in Bargarh district and a 20-year-old woman in Kendrapara district. Patnaik highlights that four girls have died by self-immolation in the past month, with each case seemingly linked to crimes and lack of justice.
Patnaik condemned the BJP government’s silence and inaction regarding these tragedies, stating that the government has not created an atmosphere where daughters of Odisha feel safe, valued, or heard. He called out the "heartbreaking pattern" and "traumatic silence" of the administration and questioned how many more such incidents must occur before the government takes effective action.
The BJP government has also been criticized for administrative failures such as police officials initially refusing to register complaints, as seen in the Kendrapara case, where an Assistant Sub-Inspector was transferred for refusing to lodge a complaint from the victim. This further highlights the law and order concerns.
Moreover, attempts by opposition BJD leaders to meet the families of victims, like in the Bargarh incident, were reportedly blocked by the administration, indicating an environment of governmental suppression or neglect in responding empathetically and transparently to these crises.
In summary, the accusations by Naveen Patnaik are rooted in the BJP government’s perceived failure to:
- Prevent rising crimes against women.
- Establish a trustworthy system where women can seek and receive justice.
- Respond promptly and sensitively to incidents of violence and tragedy affecting women.
- Maintain effective law enforcement mechanisms without political or administrative lapses that leave victims vulnerable.
Patnaik expressed deep sadness, shock, and anguish over these incidents and offered his condolences to the families of the young girls who lost their lives. He emphasised the need for immediate action to protect women in Odisha and restore confidence in the system.
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