New Delhi: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday slammed the BJP government in the state expressing his shock over the gang rape with a young girl in Puri and said that administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued and heard leave aside empowerment.
Patnaik in a post on X said, “Deeply shocked and anguished to know a young girl has been gang raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, just 50km away from the state capital.”
Slamming the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha, the former chief minister said that it is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across Odisha.
“While the BJP leaders engage in theatrical display of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity. The victims and family members of Gopalpur, Baleswar, Balanga and many other victims who died in desperation are still waiting for justice. Every time we heard same rehearsed statements: “people’s government” is “taking strict action”, “ensuring women’s safety” and “sparing no one”,” he said highlighting the several other crimes against women in the state last few months.
Taking a swipe at the state government, Patnaik said, “The BJP administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued and heard–leave aside empowerment. If such a crime happens near a very popular tourist place, often thronged by tourists from across the world, it will tarnish the image of Odisha within the country and internationally. The sooner BJP Government takes strongest action, women of Odisha will feel safe again.”
His remarks came after a young woman from Mysore was allegedly gang-raped near a temple in Puri.
The crime occurred after the victim and her male friend were reportedly filmed, blackmailed, and extorted by a group of men.
