Bhubaneswar, July 15: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the tragic death of a 20-year-old BEd student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha’s Balasore.

The 20-year-old student succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar late last night, two days after she attempted self-immolation over alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member of her college.

राहुल गांधी और कांग्रेस का ओडिशा की बेटी के साथ हुए दुखद घटना पर ओछी राजनीति बेहद दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है। एक गंभीर और संवेदनशील मामले को राजनीतिक हथियार बनाना, @RahulGandhi की सस्ती मानसिकता को दर्शाता है। ओडिशा की घटना ने पूरे देश को झकझोर दिया है, लेकिन कांग्रेस ने इसे भी अपनी…
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 15, 2025

In a post on X, Pradhan accused Gandhi and the Congress party of politicizing a deeply sensitive issue, calling it “cheap politics” and a reflection of a “petty mindset.” He stated, “Turning a serious and sensitive matter into a political weapon reflects Rahul Gandhi’s cheap mentality. The incident has shaken the entire nation, but Congress has used it to bake its political bread.”

Pradhan emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have consistently taken concrete steps to ensure women’s safety and justice. He assured that the Odisha government stands firmly with the victim’s family and will take the strictest action against the accused.

“This is not the time for political opportunism,” Pradhan added. “Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologize to the victim’s family for his irresponsible statement.”

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha, with protests and demands for accountability. The accused faculty member and college principal have reportedly been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier described the student’s death as “an organized murder by the system,” blaming the BJP-led administration for failing to protect her. His comments have drawn sharp reactions from BJP leaders and triggered a heated political exchange.

Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi assured strict action against those responsible for the death of the 20-year-old student. He also announced Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia to the family of the deceased girl.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Congress has called for a statewide bandh on July 17, demanding justice for the deceased girl student and the safety of women in the state. Eight parties, including Left parties and the NCP, have extended support to the bandh call of the Congress party.

The Odisha Police have so far arrested two persons, a faculty member and the principal of the FM College, who have also been suspended by the Odisha government in connection with the incident.

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