Bhubaneswar Is Unsafe For Women, Common People: OPCC President

A day after the Member of the Parliament from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi was allegedly attacked at a function in the Capital city, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik on Friday launched a veiled attack on the ruling BJD government, stating Bhubaneswar is unsafe for women.

“Bhubaneswar can no longer be termed safe. Miscreants here roam on roads wielding swords. Chain snatching cases are occurring in broad day light. Women and common people are not safe, even during day time. How can we say Bhubaneswar is safe,” Patnaik asked.

Condemning the attack on MP Sarangi, Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty Friday said the Thursday incident has given credence to the fact that women are not safe under BJD rule. Addressing journalists at a press conference, Mohanty said, “The nation is celebrating the Constitution Day today. On this occasion, I warn the BJD government to refrain from such unconstitutional activities.”

Taking a jibe at the Odisha BJP president Mohanty for him warning the BJD,   BJD MLA Ananta Narayan Jena said MP Aparajita shouldn’t try to make Odisha a disturbed state like Bihar. Denying the allegation that BJD workers pelted stones and eggs at the meeting, he said, “Some women from nearby slums were waiting to meet the MP. Just when the MP reached, some hooligans got down from the vehicles, attacked and misbehaved the women. They did not stop there. They also touched them inappropriately.” 

Notably, Parliamentarian Sarangi held a programme near Acharya Vihar on Thursday night. Elderly people attended it. It was alleged that some BJD workers reached the venue, staged a protest and pelted stones and eggs at the stage. Subsequently, a scuffle ensued between BJP and the alleged BJD workers.