Veil of Silence: Women, Tribals, and the Struggle for Odisha’s Soul

In May 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the Odisha assembly elections, bringing an end to Naveen Patnaik and the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) 24-year rule. While this political shift promised change, it has ushered in a new era marked by profound transformations—many of which demand our critical attention.

Since the BJP assumed office, Odisha has witnessed a dramatic shift in its economic policies, favoring corporate interests over the well-being of its people. The state’s once robust social fabric is now strained, with rising communal tensions threatening the harmony that Odisha has long been known for.

Rise in Communal Tensions

While some communal violence existed during the BJD rule, government involvement was not palpable. Under the BJP regime, there has been a marked increase in incidents. Hardly a year into office, the state has witnessed several clashes and armed processions of fringe communal elements.

Suresh Chandra Panagrahy, state secretary of the Odisha State Committee of the CPI(M), said, “In December 2024, in Balasore district, two women were tied to trees and beaten up on suspicion of forced conversion. The state has witnessed a systematic spread of hatred through armed 'Sanatani' processions. Films promoting animosity toward minority communities have proliferated.”

He also accused Chief Minister Mohan Majhi of making efforts to release Dara Singh, jailed for burning to death Graham Staines and his family. The BJP government of Odisha approached the Supreme Court for early remission of Dara Singh, which has drawn strong criticism from democratic forces.

Acceleration of Pro-Corporate Policies

The BJD had no alternative economic policies and implemented neoliberal reforms. With the BJP in power, these policies have been aggressively fast-tracked.

“The new administration has aggressively handed over mineral resources to corporate entities, including Adani, Ambani, Jindal, Vedanta, Tata, and Mittal. There has been increased corporate control over forest and water resources. This has altered the relationship between local communities and their traditional lands,” said Suresh Chandra.

The government has introduced privatization initiatives and smart meters despite public concerns. The BJP government continues to support projects like Polavaram, which would submerge 12 village panchayats comprising 32 villages—projects the BJP actively opposed while in opposition.

Suppressing Dissent Among Tribals

The BJP government's approach towards tribal communities has raised serious concerns. The administration has failed to implement the PESA Act, which protects tribal land rights, while simultaneously appropriating tribal lands under the guise of development.

Suresh Chandra accused the BJP regime of increased repression in tribal areas when protests occur, suggesting a systematic effort to silence indigenous voices. Tribals continue to oppose the Balada Bauxite mining project by the Adani group.

Two subsidiaries of the Adani group—Mundra Aluminium Limited and Kalinga Aluminium Company Ltd—are carrying out mining operations in reserve forest areas rich in minerals, damaging the environment and sacred sites. The BJP government auctioned the mining lease to the corporation without any discussion or approval from the gram sabhas.

Increase in Rape Cases

The government placed a white paper in the state legislature on the status of women's safety. The report revealed that 3,054 rape cases were recorded in 2024 alone, an increase of 8% compared to the previous year. This equates to more than eight rape cases being registered daily in Odisha.

“The state has witnessed a troubling rise in crimes since the change in government. Official records indicate 56 rapes just in the first six months of BJP rule. Nine murders during Holi celebrations in a single month is another shocking statistic. There has been a documented increase in illegal trafficking and crimes against women, suggesting deteriorating law enforcement across Odisha,” said Suresh Chandra.

Suppression of Protests

Meanwhile, the opposition faces systematic suppression from the BJP government, with permission denied for democratic struggles and protests. The space for the opposition has been reduced even in the assembly, where several legislators were suspended for raising concerns about women's safety in the state.

However, Suresh Chandra remains optimistic despite the government’s actions, hoping for a space to wage continuous and sustained struggles to win back the rights of tribals, defeat communal forces, and restore unity among the people.

“Left-wing organizations have been denied permission to organize protests, restricting democratic expression and dissent. These actions suggest a narrowing of political space for alternative viewpoints and criticism. However, these challenges may also create opportunities for left parties to plan and execute struggles on economic issues, women's safety, the preservation of secularism, and communal harmony,” he said.