‘Institutional betrayal, planned injustice’: After Odisha student’s death, Opposition BJD and Congress train gun on BJP govt
The recent death of a college student in Odisha has ignited widespread outrage and political unrest. The Opposition parties — Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress — have accused the BJP-led state government of “institutional betrayal” and deliberate negligence.
What began as a campus tragedy has turned into a statewide protest. Political leaders, civil society groups, and student unions are demanding justice, transparency, and reform.
Tragic Death Raises Alarming Questions
A 19-year-old student from a government college in western Odisha was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her family and friends claim she had complained multiple times about harassment and campus insecurity. Authorities failed to act on those warnings.
The student’s death shocked her peers. Her classmates staged a sit-in, blocked roads, and shouted slogans. Many students held placards reading “Justice for Her” and “Make Our Campuses Safe.” The initial response from the authorities was slow and vague, which only fueled public anger.
BJD and Congress Slam BJP’s Governance
BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb called the death “a heartbreaking example of how institutions have failed students.” He accused the government of ignoring repeated complaints and shielding those responsible.
Congress leader Tara Bahinipati demanded an independent judicial probe. “This was not an accident,” he said. “It happened because those in power chose silence over action.”
Both parties urged the Chief Minister to take moral responsibility. They demanded the suspension of higher officials and an overhaul of student grievance redressal systems.
Government Faces Heat for Weak Response
The state government initially released a brief condolence message. It later suspended two low-level officials and announced an internal investigation. However, Opposition leaders and students rejected the inquiry as a “token gesture.”
BJD MP Pinaki Mishra said, “Blaming junior officials won’t solve the real issue. The failure started at the top.” He called for the creation of an independent body to review safety measures in colleges and schools.
The BJP dismissed the criticism. A senior party official claimed the government was working sincerely and accused the Opposition of politicizing the tragedy.
Students and Activists Demand Real Change
Student unions across Odisha organized protests, candle marches, and campus shutdowns. They demanded:
- A time-bound judicial inquiry
- Resignations of negligent officials
- A dedicated safety helpline for students
- A state-level commission for campus safety
Student leader Ananya Das said, “We won’t accept apologies or empty promises. We need laws and systems that protect us.”
Civil society groups also joined the protests. They submitted petitions to local authorities and offered legal aid to the victim’s family.
Elections in Sight: Political Stakes Rise
With Lok Sabha elections less than a year away, this incident has taken on political weight. The BJP, which recently came to power in Odisha, is under pressure to prove its commitment to governance and accountability.
Analyst Prashant Mallick noted, “This could be a tipping point. The Opposition is using the issue to build public momentum, and rightly so. The government’s response will define how voters see them going forward.”
Opposition leaders plan to take the issue to the national level. They’ve promised to raise the matter in Parliament if justice isn’t served promptly.
Will There Be Structural Reform?
The government promised to submit a report within 15 days. But citizens remain skeptical. Many fear the inquiry will end without meaningful consequences.
There is growing public demand for a new law to protect student rights and ensure safe campuses. Suggestions include forming safety committees, installing surveillance systems, and introducing strict penalties for negligence.
Until then, protests continue across the state. Students say they won’t rest until the system becomes safer and more accountable.
Conclusion
The tragic death of a young student has become a flashpoint in Odisha’s political and social landscape. While the BJP government faces intense criticism, it also has a chance to act decisively and restore public trust.
If leaders only offer symbolic measures, the anger will only grow. But if they respond with real reforms, this tragedy might lead to lasting change. For now, the demand from every corner is clear: justice, accountability, and a safer future for students.
