Rose dayThis time, the bandh called by Odisha Congress had a little sweet twist. As Bhubaneswar woke up to another bandh — this time over the tragic death of a college student by self-immolation — commuters expecting roadblocks and raised voices were instead greeted with red roses and chocolates. Protesters handed flowers to two-wheelers, chocolates to car drivers, especially women riders. “We’re on the streets for your safety,” they said. “I wasn’t sure whether to say thank you or sorry,” one rider quipped, as she rode off, a chocolate in hand.Photo opsBJD leader Lekhasri Samantasinghar, a former BJP member, recently made a grand entrance, visiting fellow party members who had a run-in with the police during a recent protest in Bhubaneswar. Armed with a camera, Lekhasri ensured her visits were social media-worthy, snapping selfies with the injured like a tourist in a theme park. She started with BJD Rajya Sabha member Sulata Deo in hospital, then moved on to senior BJD member Pranab Prakash Das, and wrapped up her visit with former minister Pritiranjan Gharai at their residences. Social media users, however, were not impressed, dubbing her visits as ‘political paparazzi’.Reaction timeThe Balasore girl, who immolated herself over alleged sexual harassment by her HOD, had posted her complaint on X and tagged authorities with a plea to give her justice. But she did not get any response. When the girl attempted self-immolation on July 12, many of those account holders posted messages showing their concern for the girl. Netizens and the public said the authorities could have saved the girl had they reacted before the incident. (Contributed by Team TOI)
