Congress purifies BJP office with cow dung and urine over women’s safety in Uttarakhand; BJP hits back
Uttarakhand Congress staged a dramatic protest over women's safety, purifying the BJP office with cow dung and cow urine. Led by Jyoti Rautela, the protest sparked chaos and slogans. BJP responded sharply, accusing Congress of politicizing the issue and ignoring government efforts.
Dehradun: In a fiery protest over rising crimes against women, Uttarakhand State Women Congress, led by President Jyoti Rautela, marched to the BJP headquarters in Dehradun, and purified the premises with cow dung and cow urine.
The symbolic act was meant to "cleanse” what Congress called the BJP’s failure to protect women. The protest created traffic chaos for hours as Congress workers broke barricades and raised slogans.
Dehradun among the top 10 unsafe cities in India
The protest was triggered by the NARI 2025 report, which ranked Dehradun among the top 10 unsafe cities in India. According to the report, only 44% of women feel safe at night, and 50% have faced harassment in public transport. Trust in police is low, with just 25% of women expressing confidence. The NCRB 2022 data revealed 4,337 cases of crimes against women in Uttarakhand, including 867 rapes and 637 cases under POCSO, marking a sharp rise from previous years.
Speaking to the media, Jyoti Rautela said, "When the government hides rising crime statistics and women continue to suffer, symbolic purification becomes necessary. Our protest is a wake-up call to the BJP government and administration.”
‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has lost meaning
Senior Congress leaders including Harak Singh Rawat, Ranjit Rawat, and Asha Manorama Dobariyal Sharma joined the protest, accusing BJP leaders of being involved in harassment cases and shielding culprits. They claimed the BJP’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ has lost meaning under current governance.
Despite heavy police barricading, Congress workers climbed over barriers and continued their demonstration. The protest drew a large crowd and disrupted movement around the BJP office.
Congress is not protesting for women’s safety but to fight for internal supremacy: BJP
In response, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Asha Nautiyal dismissed the protest as a political stunt. "Congress is not protesting for women’s safety but to fight for internal supremacy. The National Women’s Commission has already clarified the survey Congress is citing,” she said.
Several initiatives taken by the Dhami government for women’s safety
Nautiyal highlighted several initiatives taken by the Dhami government for women’s safety, including the Gaurav Shakti mobile app, downloaded by over 1.25 lakh working women, and the establishment of One Top Centers for single working women. She added that Cheetah Police patrols and 14,000+ CCTV cameras in Dehradun are actively monitoring public spaces.
She also emphasized that women’s cases are being heard on a priority basis and that the government has ensured strict action against serious offenders. "Congress is trying to stay in headlines. People of Uttarakhand know who truly works for women’s safety,” Nautiyal said.
Congress has vowed to continue its agitation
As both parties continue to trade accusations, the issue of women’s safety remains at the center of public concern. Congress has vowed to continue its agitation until concrete steps are taken, while BJP maintains that its efforts are already making a difference.