BJD Women’s Wing Protests Against BJP MLA for Alleged Misogynistic Remarks

Protest Against Derogatory Comments

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, members of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal organized a protest in Bhubaneswar, calling for the arrest of BJP MLA Santosh Khatua. This action was prompted by Khatua's alleged derogatory remarks directed at senior BJD leader and general secretary Lekhasri Samantsinghar. The protest, led by BJD’s chief whip and senior vice-president Pramila Mallik, featured a ‘Swabhiman’ (pride) rally that commenced at Rajmahal Square and concluded at Master Canteen Square, where an effigy of Khatua was set ablaze.

Khatua's comments, made last week, were described by Mallik as unacceptable in a civilized society. She criticized the BJP MLAs for lacking moral values and ethics, emphasizing the need for intervention from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Mallik expressed concern over the safety of women under the BJP government, stating, “Since the BJP assumed power, women have faced increasing violence in the state.”

She further highlighted the alarming rise in crimes against women over the past year. Later in the day, a delegation from the Biju Mahila Janata Dal met with DGP YB Khurania to submit a memorandum requesting Khatua's arrest. In response, Khatua defended his remarks, asserting they were a reaction to Samantsinghar’s previous accusations, which he claimed included calling him a ‘thief’ and a ‘dacoit’. He questioned, “If a woman has dignity, don’t men have any prestige?”