Baripada: Softening his stand on the government led by Naveen Patnaik during his 30-minute speech at Jabab Maguchi Odisha rally here Saturday, Modi raked up the Pipili ‘gangrape’ case.
Without naming any leader, Modi slammed the BJD government for failing to deliver justice in the 2011 Pipili ‘gangrape-murder’ case.
Referring to the Khurda district sessions court which recently acquitted the gang-rape accused, the Prime Minister demanded a through probe into the incident. “In Odisha, safety and security of girls is a million dollar question,” he said.
“The anger of daughters and sisters over lapses in inquiry into the incident is natural. I urge the state government to investigate such cases thoroughly so that a strong message will go to all those, who are involved in such acts,” the PM stated.
Stating questions are being raised on state government’s effort to ensure safety and security of girls, Modi said, “This government’s track record on women and health is also not good.”
“This is the place (Baripada) where Devi Subhadra’s chariot is being pulled by mothers and sisters. The tradition was started here. However, the state government is not serious about women welfare,” he said.
The Prime Minister again urged the Odisha government to implement Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.
Commenting on the PM’s remark on Pipili case, Naveen who was addressing a Mission Shakti programme at Puri said, “We are following the Babina case very forcefully.” He, however, did not comment any further on the performance of Modi government.
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attacked the state government over various issues. Mayurbhanj MP Ramchandra Hansda is in jail for over four years for his involvement in chit fund scam, he said and asked the Chief Minister to explain his connection with Saroj Sahu, a chit fund scam accused.
