Bhubaneswar: The Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, Friday turned emotional and made a fervent appeal to the opposition not to politicise issues of rape, murder and death of women.

“Forget that I am chief minister for 19 years or that I am the president of Biju Janta Dal. As a senior member of this House, I would humbly like to mention something- politicising human tragedy especially relating to women is inhuman”, he said.

” Let me tell you- This kind of politics will not give any returns. We are mature democracy. We represent 4 and 1/2 crore people of Odisha. Let us set up high standard of political discourse both in the Assembly and outside.”

“Rape, muder, death of women — are extremely sad events. Politicising them, multiplies the trauma and gives a very wrong message to the people at large and young people in particular. In case any one is not satisfied with the investigation, there are legal fora for relief. ”

Naveen, who also holds the portfolio of home, was replying in the State assembly on budget demand for home department.

Patnaik said, “As chief minister, let me assure the House, crime against women will be one of my top most priorities and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is done.”

“Let me assure that any case of neglect especially relating to women and children will not be spared, exemplary action would be taken. “

Due to prompt and professional investigation, in four sensational cases of rape and murder of minor girls death penalty has been awarded to the accused persons under POCSO Act.

Further there is an increase in conviction rate in red-flag cases which has gone up to 41.48% in the year 2019.

“With all humility, I would like to express my deep concern -Let’s us not politicise tragedies related to women and children”, he urged the opposition members.

Mo Sarkar:

Referring to his new Mo Sarkar initiative, the chief minister said, ” People are the soul of democracy. The hallmark of good governance is citizens satisfaction . Mo Sarkar is a transformative initiative under the 5T Charter of governance. “