Bhubaneswar: Newly appointed Biju Mahila Janata Dal (BMJD) president Snehangini Chhuria, Friday, alleged that more than 4,000 rape cases have been reported in the state during the last 15 months under the BJP government. Addressing the media, Chhuria accused the government of failing to ensure women’s safety and dignity in the state, asserting that the BMJD will act as the voice of neglected and marginalised women and fight for their justice. “The women of Odisha have become unsafe and their dignity has been severely undermined,” Chhuria said. She recalled that under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, women were empowered through Mission Shakti, which enabled them to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and achieve a respectable status in society.
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However, she alleged that in just 15 months, Mission Shakti —a programme that uplifted and empowered women —is now on the verge of closure. Chhuria further claimed that women and students, driven by atrocities and lack of support, have been forced to take extreme steps, including ending their lives. “Incidents of rape and harassment are reported in newspapers almost every day, yet the BJP government has failed to take meaningful or concrete action,” she added.