Odishatv Bureau
Bhubaneswar: The opposition political parties in Odisha including Congress and BJP seem to gain political mileage out of the unfortunate death of the Mahakalapada minor girl, with both blaming the BJD-led government for the tragic end of the 15-year old victim.
 
Soon after the news spread, a host of leaders from various parties including PCC president Jayadev Jena visited Capital Hospital last night and blamed government apathy for the deterioration of the braveheart’s condition.
 
Jena convened a media conference on Friday and demanded the resignation of CM Naveen Patnaik holding the State Government responsible such unfortunate incident. The women wing of the State Congress has also given a call for civil disobedience movement demanding justice to the victim’s family and exemplary punishment to the perpetrators. The party decided to launch the movement during upcoming Assembly session if CM does not step down on moral ground, PCC sources said.
 
Likewise, the State unit of BJP is no less in the race as the party has called for a 12-hour state-wide hartal on Saturday protesting government’s apathy towards the Dalit girl. 
 
Inordinate delay in shifting her to Delhi has caused death, BJP State President KV Singh Deo said. The party activists will hold a candle rally in Bhubaneswar today to express silent protest over the issue, he told media persons. 
 
Similarly, workers of both the parties were found resorting to road blockade in different parts of the State especially in Kendrapara. The Congress members of Mahakalapada area took to the street today and paralysed vehicular traffic.
 
On the other hand, Health Minister Damodar Rout refuted the charge of official apathy. The State government had provided all possible treatment to the girl, he said adding that Opposition parties are making it an issue in view of the upcoming polls.
 
Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda expressed grief over the incident and promised stern action against the culprits. He said all efforts to save the life of the braveheart went in vain. CM Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of the Dalit girl and announced ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the victim.
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