Satya Prakash Nayak
Bhubaneswar, July 22: Odisha Congress’ much-hyped campaign against crimes on women has suffered a major setback, following explosive revelations linking Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das with KIIT University Founder Dr. Achyuta Samant.
The silence of Bhakta Das and his alleged interference in stopping Congress protests after the controversial suicide of a Nepali girl student inside the KIIT campus has triggered serious internal unrest within the party.
Despite multiple reports from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) flagging serious lapses on the part of the University, Das not only refrained from speaking against the institution but also allegedly blocked any protest attempt by party cadres.
Party insiders claim Bhakta Das’ decision to shield KIIT and its top leadership has brought immense embarrassment to the Odisha Congress, especially at a time when the party is trying to build a strong narrative on women’s safety and justice.
“Why didn’t Bhakta Das raise a single voice for the victim? Why was Congress stopped from protesting at KIIT? These are questions that need immediate answers,” said a senior Congress leader on condition of anonymity.
The situation has drawn parallels to the recent rape case involving NSUI Odisha President Udit Pradhan, where the party promptly set up an internal probe committee. A growing section within Congress now demands that a similar fact-finding panel be formed to examine Bhakta Das’ role in shielding KIIT and to investigate any possible clandestine ties with Dr. Samant.
“What moral right do we have to campaign on women’s safety if we selectively remain silent when powerful institutions are involved?” questioned another party functionary.
The mounting pressure on the state Congress president comes amid already shaky ground for the party in Odisha. Observers believe that unless the central leadership intervenes and addresses the allegations transparently, the credibility of Congress’ women-centric politics in the state may take a lasting hit.
Despite the storm, Bhakta Charan Das has so far remained silent on the matter, further fuelling speculation about his proximity to KIIT’s top brass. The ball now appears to be in the court of the Congress high command — whether to shield Das or to investigate him like others.
