Odisha: Congress demands dismissal of Naveen government

Bhubaneswar: Accusing Odisha government of failing to control rising crimes against women belonging to dalit and tribal communities, opposition Congress on Saturday sought Governor SC Jamir's intervention and dismissal of the BJD government in the state. The demand was made though a memorandum submitted by a delegation of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) led by its President Jaydev Jena.

The delegation drew attention of the Governor to the recent death of a 14-year-old attempt to rape and burn victim of Kendrapara district. The seventh standard girl was set on fire after she refused advances made towards her by some men at a seaside village in Kendrapara district on July 28. The girl died 12 days after the incident while there was attempt to shift her to a Delhi hospital.

"There is complete breakdown of law and order machinery in the state and we urge upon the Governor to make personal review with authorities concerned and after through review dismiss the government and uphold Constitution and law of the land," the OPCC said in its memorandum submitted at Raj Bhavan.

While expressing deep concern over the death of the dalit minor girl allegedly due to state negligence, Jena said the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, particularly the crime against women and minor girls has increased manifold in the state. "The crime rate against women in Odisha is much higher than the national average," he said.

Stating that minor girls and women belonging to dalits and tribal communities were being targeted, the opposition party blamed it on the low conviction rates in the state. Describing health minister Damodar Rout's statement that the Kendrapara girl could have died due to protest near ICA of Capital Hospital, Jena said "It is a cruel joke to the victim. This statement shows utter callousness of the minister and his damn care attitude towards the sentiments of the people and life of the victim." OPCC announced that it would raise the issue in the Odisha Assembly's ensuing monsoon session which begins from August 20.