Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi takes the battle to rival camp, announces whitepaper on crimes against women
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, March 3: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday escalated the political battle by announcing that his government would soon publish a whitepaper on crimes against women over the past eight months.
The announcement came two days after the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Bhubaneswar, protesting what it described as an “alarming rise” in crimes against women.
“The Congress is a sinking ship in Odisha. The party alleges that crimes against women have increased under our regime. However, the truth is entirely the opposite. Congress leaders are now desperately trying to stay relevant by making such baseless allegations,” said the Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his weekly grievance hearing session, Majhi asserted that the crime rate against women had significantly declined since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state in June 2024.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to “zero tolerance” on crimes against women, Majhi stated that perpetrators were being swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“Culprits are never spared—they are immediately arrested and sent to judicial custody. They will face trial, and the government will ensure they are punished according to the law,” he added, emphasizing his administration’s firm stance on pursuing cases diligently in court.
On March 1, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) staged a large-scale protest in Bhubaneswar, denouncing what it called an “alarming rise” in crimes against women under the current government.
Led by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, the rally witnessed the participation of numerous party leaders, workers, and supporters, who marched through the city demanding urgent government action to safeguard women. However, tensions escalated when protesters attempted to march toward Chief Minister Majhi’s residence, prompting a police blockade. A scuffle ensued as security personnel tried to prevent them from advancing further.
Addressing reporters, OPCC chief Bhakta Charan Das launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order since assuming office eight months ago. He alleged that the Mohan Majhi administration had been ineffective in addressing crimes against women, resulting in an unprecedented surge in cases of violence, harassment, and exploitation.
