The self-immolation of a student in Balasore, Odisha, has ignited political controversy. Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP, while Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Congress of cheap politics.
Odisha: The self-immolation of a student at Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, Odisha, and her subsequent death during treatment, have created a storm in state and national politics. While the incident has shocked society, it has also sparked a heated debate in political circles. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has targeted the BJP government over this tragic incident. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on the other hand, has responded sharply to Rahul Gandhi.
Background of the Incident
The student from Balasore set herself on fire after being harassed due to sexual harassment and constant mental torture at the college. The student was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar in critical condition, where she died late Monday night. There is an atmosphere of anger and grief across the state over this painful incident. From student organizations to social activists, everyone has demanded strict action against the culprits.
Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP
Following the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to target the BJP government, writing that this was not a suicide but a murder committed through the system. He wrote, "The death of a daughter fighting for justice in Odisha is a direct murder by the BJP's system. That brave student had raised her voice against sexual exploitation, but instead of giving her justice, she was threatened, tortured, and repeatedly humiliated. Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her."
Rahul Gandhi also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wrote, "Modi ji, whether it is Odisha or Manipur, the daughters of the country are burning, breaking down, and dying. And you? Sitting silently. The country does not need your silence, it needs answers. The daughters of India need security and justice."
Dharmendra Pradhan's Retaliation
Union Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan called Rahul Gandhi's statement cheap politics. Reacting on X, he said, "It is very unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are doing cheap politics over the tragic incident involving the daughter of Odisha. Making a serious and sensitive matter a political weapon shows Rahul Gandhi's cheap mentality."
Dharmendra Pradhan said that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always been committed to the safety and justice of women. He wrote, "This incident in Odisha is very sad and painful, but the Congress has also made it a means to score political points. The BJP government is in favor of strict action against the culprits and is fully committed to providing justice to the victim's family."
What the Odisha Government Says
Following the incident, the Odisha government has ordered an investigation. The police have arrested two accused in the case and the investigation is ongoing. The state government has said that it is looking into the matter with full sensitivity and that the culprits will not be spared. The Chief Minister's Office also informed that there is a wave of grief in the state over the student's death and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed soon.
