Odisha assembly elections are still four years away, yet the state’s political scenario is already a witness to increased activity – especially around issues related to the safety of women. In the last one year, there has been a disturbing increase in crimes against women, including rapid increase in rape and gangrape cases. The most recent tragedy occurred in Balasore, where a college student died of self-explosion after facing sexual harassment.

The case created a political storm across the state. The Congress party replied by calling the statewide bandh. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), despite being the largest opposition party in the assembly, struggles to offer decisive leadership on the issue or effectively give a channel to public outrage.

The growing public sentiment in favor of the Congress was seen during the Samvidhan Bachao rally held in Bhubaneswar on 11 July. Voting was on a large scale – so much that the local media, often indifferent to Congress events, could not ignore it.

Herzinder Speak from Devotee Charan DasNewly appointed president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. Part:

Despite the numbers in the assembly, the Congress has emerged as a major protest on the ground. How did you achieve this?

We were able to gather people because the issue we raised were real and resonated with the public. While we do not have many MLAs in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, whatever we have is firm. Our limited representation is a single female MLA (Sophia Ferdus), whose sensitivity and understanding of women’s issues is invaluable.

The situation in Odisha is worrying-Bal interview cases, including collective-blessings, are growing without stopping. These are not just isolated events; Thousands of women and children have gone missing. We started highlighting these issues from the first day.

As soon as I took charge, I ran on the ground – quite literally. I arrived from Delhi and launched a Shankalap Padayatra from Bhubaneswar Airport. In the next three days, we lasted 67 km to reach Puri. About 5,000 people attended that march.

Did you get hurt during that journey?

Yes, my hand was fractured in early March. There was a large crowd; Everyone wanted to congratulate me with a bouquet. In anarchy, I lost my balance and fell, broke my right hand.

But I did not let it stop. I only continued to walk with a fracture hand, only basic pain reliever. I went in all three days. On the fifth day (after injury), I underwent surgery. Still, I am not completely cured – I still cannot lift my hand completely.

That moment created a feeling of faith among the people. It sent a clear message that this fight would continue, it does not matter. Everyone – MLA and grassroots workers have completely thrown themselves in the same struggle.

There have been reports that your MLAs had to face harassment inside the assembly.

Yes, all our MLAs were suspended from the assembly (on 25 March). In response, he began a sit-in protest. But around 2.00 pm, they were forcibly removed and dumped on the road outside. Instead of intimidating us, this incident further strengthened unity among our MLAs and activated our party workers. However, it was really disappointing, however, the Biju was the inaction of the Janata Dal. Despite being 51 MLAs, he failed to take a stand or play the expected role from them.

Why do you think the BJD is unable to act as a true opposition, despite being the second largest party?

Because they bear the burden of 24 years of rule. He is seen as an alliance with the BJP, not as the force of resistance. Recently, they have shown some activity around women’s issues – but it appears to be more symbolic than honest. If they actually raise these issues and firm, the government may fall in the next assembly session. But the truth is that they will not allow this to happen.

The Samvidhan Bachao rally addressed by the Lok Sabha leader of Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikrajun Kharge in Bhubaneswar held a strong discussion. Why has it become such a thing?

That rally was a huge success. We took RahulYesMessage – their constant stance to protect the size and constitution by their India joint travel and to ensure social justice – in a focused manner. We made short video clips showing their conversation with women, children, laborers, small traders and drivers, and broadcast them widely. People actually moved beyond their honesty and relationship with common citizens. Enthusiasm was visible. We were expecting around 60,000 people, but more than a million changed. In fact, the crowd outside the venue was doubled by the inner shape.

A male nameYesSpeech of speech – especially about the plight of tribals, Dalits, women and concentration of money in the hands of corporates like Adani – left a strong impression on people.

Nevertheless, many people are asking if this mass voting can actually translate into votes.

The answer lies in the organization. If you have an active ground level structure, such public support can be completely converted into votes. The first step is to create a wave of energy and attention. A male nameYesThe journey made that speed. And it is important to note that it was not a staging or artificially collected crowd – these were actually gathered to supporters.

Now we are insisting on reconstructing and activating the organization. Earlier, people were not even talking about the Congress. Today, we are part of every political dialogue – often the first party people consider before the BJD or BJP. This revival has created enthusiasm within the party. Those who had removed themselves are returning. Those who were inactive have become active again, and active are now hyper-eneurous.

In fact, now the office is a healthy competition to become beer. Many are proudly announced, “We have been with Congress for 20-30 years.” The party is alive again – and is getting stronger by the day.

You mentioned earlier that the leaders of other parties are joining the Congress. Is this happening on an important scale?

Yes, of course. Many ground level workers have already joined us. Is it encouraging that the major figures of other parties – including some of the ruling party – are reaching out. They look at the tide and believe that the Congress can provide a reliable option. There is a growing feeling of hope around us.

How effective did Odisha Bandh make Congress on 17 July?

It was a historical moment. Odisha has not seen such a complete and easy bond in the last 20-25 years. Roads were empty, traffic came to a stop and train services were interrupted at 16–17 places. The unions of the traders voluntarily supported it. Government offices across the state were largely non-functional. From the High Court to the local district courts, the lawyers extended full support. Employees union and intellectuals stood with us. The scale of participation and public enthusiasm was unprecedented.

Did this react to the government?

Absolutely. On 19 July, we announced a grievance redressal mechanism for women. Now the government has suddenly announced that they will implement a similar system in every school and college. It is clear that they are feeling pressure and foot to respond to public sentiment.

The truth is that many people in the present government lack administrative experience. So they are struggling to respond effectively. But our movement has forced them to start thinking – and acting.