Bhubaneswar: BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi hit out at the opposition parties, including Congress and BJD, for calling a state-wide bandh in Odisha over the recent self-immolation case of a student from FM Autonomous College. Sarangi termed the bandh call as an attempt to create political disturbance rather than providing constructive solutions.
She stated that the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has responded swiftly and responsibly to the incident, taking disciplinary and legal action against the accused faculty member and principal. Sarangi condemned the opposition’s demand for the resignation of the Higher Education Minister, calling it a diversionary tactic.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable. This is not the time for street politics but for serious self-reflection by these parties,” Sarangi added.
Slamming the Congress, she said, “The Congress was in power for 40 years, and the BJD has ruled for 24 years. What did they do to create a secure and enabling ecosystem for women? Why didn’t they ensure women’s safety then?”
Sarangi also questioned the moral authority of the opposition parties to question the current government, given their own track record on women’s safety during their respective regimes. She expressed confidence in the BJP-led government’s intent and capacity to ensure justice and improve women’s safety across the state.
The BJP MP highlighted the efforts made by the current government, including CM Majhi’s meetings with the victim’s family and President Droupadi Murmu’s unprecedented visit to the family. Sarangi contrasted this with the previous government’s response to similar incidents, where former CM Naveen Patnaik never visited the victims or their families.
Sarangi also cited an FIR filed by the deceased girl’s brother, alleging threats to their safety from BJD and Congress supporters, and accused the opposition parties of politicising the tragedy for their own gain.
