Bhubaneswar, July 20: The political climate in Odisha turned tense on Saturday as the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress intensified their attacks on the BJP-led government following the horrific incident of a minor girl being set on fire in Nimapara-Balanga, Puri district. The 15-year-old girl, who suffered severe burn injuries covering nearly 70% of her body, was initially admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Given her critical condition, she is being airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care on Sunday.
The incident, which reportedly took place while the girl was on her way to deliver books to a friend, has sparked massive outrage, especially since Nimapara is the constituency of Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida.
BJD leaders launched a series of protests across the state, including burning effigies of the Deputy CM. BJD leader Tusharkant Behera expressed deep concern and anger. “This incident is not just unfortunate, it is deeply disturbing. A minor girl has been brutally attacked in the constituency of the Deputy Chief Minister. The government has failed in its duty. We demand the resignation of the CM and Dy CM,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiments, BJD leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar called the attack a “blatant failure of law and order,” alleging, “Three criminals set the girl on fire and have still not been arrested. We have reason to believe that Deputy CM Pravati Parida is shielding them. We demand her immediate resignation and seek the imposition of President’s Rule in Odisha.”
Adding further criticism, BJD spokesperson Lelin Mohanty pointed to a series of recent incidents reflecting a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. “In less than 10 days, two horrifying incidents have occurred — one in FM College and now in Puri. A girl from the minority Muslim community was burned alive in the Dy CM’s own constituency. Where is the safety and accountability?”
BJD MLA Susant Kumar Rout stressed the need to prioritize the girl’s medical care. “Our foremost concern is the victim’s recovery. We demanded she be moved to a facility with better care, and the government has agreed to airlift her to AIIMS Delhi. The AIIMS director supported the decision. We sincerely hope she recovers soon.”
Meanwhile, the Congress also joined the chorus, slamming the BJP-led state government for its “complete failure” in ensuring women's safety.(With ANI input)
