Bhubaneswar: The state BJP is set to step up its campaign against the Naveen Patnaik government over the spurt in atrocities against women cases.

The party's women wing on Monday announced a 11-day Mahila Suraksha Yatra beginning May 17.

Seven senior leaders of the BJP Mahila Morcha, including its president Pravati Parida, will lead the band of women " yatris" who will set out from seven major temples dedicated to female deities in various parts of the state.

Slamming the government for failing to protect the honour of women, Parida said cases of rape of minor girls were being reported with increasing frequency in the state. "During the course of the yatra, we will organise 450 public meetings seeking to sensitise women on the issue. They should know that this government in incapable of protecting them," she said.

By the government's own admission, rape cases have witnessed a rise in the state. While 2,144 cases had been reported in 2016, the figure climbed to 2,221 in 2017. The white paper tabled by the government in the Assembly revealed that charge sheets had been filed in only 1,401 cases. Sources said 943 cases of crime against women had been included under the Red Flag category, which means these would be dealt with on a priority basis.

"Criminals have no fear of law under this government. The government's attitude actually encourages them, a glaring example being the Kunduli gang-rape case in which the authorities took no action. The government, in fact, tried to prove that the victim was lying," said BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma.

Former minister and senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra denied the allegations and advised the BJP to look at the track records of state governments ruled by the party before pointing accusing fingers at others.