Cholera outbreak, rising rape cases shadow PM's Odisha visit today: Cong

Is this the success, the PM is coming to celebrate quips Das

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Odisha on Friday to showcase the achievements of his government, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) raised sharp questions over the deteriorating law and order and public health situation in the state.

Addressing a press conference, OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das questioned whether the Prime Minister would visit cholera-hit districts like Jajpur, Keonjhar, or Gopalpur, where disturbing gang rape cases have been reported. "Over 60 gang rape cases have been registered this year alone, and cholera has spread to 11 districts, claiming more than 17 lives. Is this the success

The Jajpur district administration on Thursday ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres till June 24 as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of diarrhea. The Bhadrak district authorities have also shut schools till June 21.

The directive comes amid reports of several cases and suspicious deaths related to the severe outbreak in the district.

While classes will remain suspended, teachers and Anganwadi workers and school teachers have been asked to report to campuses to monitor sanitation and hygiene measures.