Biju Janata Dal leaders met Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati and submitted a memorandum demanding the expulsion of BJP MLA Santosh Khatua from the Assembly.
They accused him of making objectionable remarks against Mahatma Gandhi inside the House and displaying indecent behaviour toward women leaders.
Furthermore, BJD leaders reminded the Governor that Santosh Khatua earlier made derogatory comments against senior BJD general secretary Lekhasri Samantsinghar, sparking outrage across the state. They pointed out that complaints were filed with the State Women’s Commission, the Director General of Police, the National Commission for Women, and even the President of India. However, despite these complaints, authorities did not take action against the MLA.
Moreover, the delegation argued that other states acted swiftly in similar cases, while Odisha failed to respond. They stressed that repeated misconduct by Khatua emboldened him to insult Mahatma Gandhi in the Assembly. Therefore, the party urged the Governor to expel him immediately to protect the dignity of the House.
In addition, the memorandum highlighted the unrest in Malkangiri. BJD leaders said organised violence erupted despite the presence of police and administration, tarnishing Odisha’s image as a peaceful state. They noted that even after the DGP visited the district, normalcy did not return. Consequently, the party asked the Governor to intervene and reassure citizens.
Former minister and senior general secretary Tukuni Sahu led the delegation. It included former MPs Rajashree Mallick and Sarmistha Sethi, senior leader Lekhasri Samantsinghar, spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, youth president Chinmaya Sahu, and student leader Ipsita Sahu. They met the Governor at Lok Seva Bhawan and submitted the memorandum.
Finally, BJD leaders emphasised that the remarks against Mahatma Gandhi and the failure to control Malkangiri violence demand urgent action. They insisted that Odisha cannot ignore such misconduct and unrest.
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