Nuapada, Oct 16: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday launched a sharp critique of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress during a public rally in Nuapada, accusing both parties of maintaining silence over the recent gang rape of an Odia medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal.

“Where Was Their Voice?”

Speaking at the BJP’s ‘Bijay Sankalp Samabesh’ as part of the campaign for the November 11 Nuapada bypoll, CM Majhi questioned the opposition’s inaction and lack of condemnation against the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government.

“What was the role of both BJD and Congress when a woman from our state was gang raped in West Bengal? Did they protest or criticize the Bengal government? No. They chose silence,” CM Majhi said, calling it a reflection of their disregard for women’s safety.

Rs 1100 Crore Projects for Nuapada

CM Majhi reaffirmed his personal commitment to Nuapada’s development, announcing that projects worth Rs1100 crore have already been sanctioned. “Very soon, all these projects will be implemented, and a new chapter will be added to Nuapada’s development history,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said the BJP’s “double-engine government” model, promising all-round development and transformation of Nuapada from an aspirational district into one of Odisha’s best-performing regions.

Jay Dholakia Named BJP Candidate

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has announced Jay Dholakia as its candidate for the Nuapada by-election in Odisha.  The Nuapada Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of Dholakia's father and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Rajendra Dholakia on September 8.

CM Majhi appealed to the people to vote for the BJP candidate for the all-round development of Nuapada.