Bhubaneswar: As the Odisha Bandh gains momentum over the tragic death of FM College student Soumyashree Bisi, the Congress party has vowed to continue its agitation against the BJP-led state government until justice is delivered.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das declared, “Our fight will not stop until Soumyashree, who was pushed to the edge by government negligence and systemic failure, receives justice. This movement is people-driven and will only grow stronger.”

He added that various civil society groups and citizens across the state have extended their support to the bandh, showing solidarity with the cause. “The public outrage is palpable. Nothing will stop us—not even police deployment. Either the government must accept our demands and act, or brace for continued protest. The time for silence is over. Women are awake and angry. We will not be silenced. If the government cannot deliver justice, it must step down.”

Responding to concerns over inconvenience to commuters during the bandh, Das said, “We are allowing movement in cases of emergency. We are appealing to people to support this protest, which is not just for Soumyashree, but for every women. 

OPCC in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, present at the protest site, also reinforced the party's stand. “This is not just a state issue—people from all walks of life across the country are supporting Odisha Bandh. The girl pleaded for help for over a week, from MLAs, MPs, college authorities to the CM’s office—yet no one responded. This is not suicide; it is institutional murder,” he said.

He further claimed that top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have spoken to Soumyashree’s family and assured them of their support in the fight for justice. “People are taking to the streets in rage and despair. Our fight will continue until Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign,” Lallu asserted.

The Congress has called for a 12-hour Odisha Bandh demanding justice for Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student who succumbed to severe burn injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She had allegedly attempted self-immolation on July 12 near the principal’s chamber at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, accusing her Head of Department of continuous harassment over the past six months.

According to reports, Soumyashree had repeatedly reached out to various authorities—including the college principal, local MLA and MP, police, and even the Chief Minister’s Office—but was met with silence.