Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed deep shock and anguish over a gang-rape incident near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district.
In his tweet, Patnaik was shocked that a young girl was gang-raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district, a mere 50 km from the state capital. Also, Patnaik expressed his disappointment with the state’s handling of women’s safety.
Patnaik slammed the BJP government, stating they’re more focused on ‘theatrical displays of concern’ rather than taking concrete actions to ensure women’s safety. He strongly condemned the gang-rape incident, highlighting the alarming frequency of violence against women in Odisha.
Besides, he accused the BJP administration of failing to create a safe environment for women, despite repeated assurances of ‘taking strict action’ and ‘ensuring women’s safety’. He also demanded that the government take the strongest possible action to restore women’s sense of safety in the state.
He also expressed concern that such incidents near popular tourist destinations could tarnish Odisha’s image globally.
Taking to His X handle, Patnaik wrote: “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. 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”. 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 Govt takes strongest action, women of Odisha will feel safe again.”
