Bhubaneswar: The Congress party announced today it will stage a gherao of Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, beginning July 21, to protest the death of Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore. The decision was confirmed by All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba in Bhubaneswar.

Launching a scathing attack on the Odisha government, Lamba demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, calling him “inexperienced” and accusing him of failing to curb crimes against women in the state.

She also urged the people of Odisha to support the statewide bandh called by the Congress and other parties on July 17, emphasising the need for collective action. “We appeal to the people to step out and support the bandh to demand justice,” she said.

Addressing a press conference, Lamba alleged Odisha has become increasingly unsafe for women under the BJP-led state government. “The state machinery has completely failed. A young girl had to resort to self-immolation to seek justice. If that doesn’t shake the conscience of the Chief Minister, what will?” she questioned.

She held the state government directly responsible for the incident, calling it a result of administrative collapse and lack of accountability. “When criminals move freely, law and order deteriorates, and victims die waiting for justice, the Chief Minister must step down. We demand his immediate resignation and urge the Centre to impose President’s Rule in Odisha,” Lamba said.

The Mahila Congress leader also criticised the alleged delay in medical treatment provided to the student and the inaction of the authorities. “Timely medical intervention could have saved her. The administration remained silent while a young girl burned both literally and figuratively,” she added.

Highlighting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s recent phone call with the victim’s father, Lamba said, “Rahul Gandhi spoke to the grieving father not just as a political leader but with the empathy of a son. He assured the family that Congress will stand by them until justice is done.”

Lamba also criticised Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for targeting Rahul Gandhi and questioned the silence of the Prime Minister and the Union government. “Why is the Centre silent when such brutality occurs in Odisha? Is a girl’s life less important than political calculations?” she asked.

She reiterated the Congress would intensify its agitation if immediate action is not taken, and that the demand for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state would be raised during the monsoon session.

“Our protest will be peaceful and democratic. We appeal to the people of Odisha to join the bandh on July 17 and raise their voices for the safety and dignity of daughters,” Lamba said, concluding with a warning that the Congress would continue the fight until justice is served and women in Odisha feel safe. (WITH AGENCY INPUTS)