In a scathing critique that has ignited a fresh political debate, former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has condemned the derogatory remarks made by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA against a respected BJD woman leader.
The incident, which unfolded on social media platform X late Thursday, has exposed the underbelly of gender-based political attacks in the state, prompting Patnaik to call for collective action and accountability.
BJP MLA Santosh Khatua allegedly made derogatory remarks against BJD’s Lekhashree Samantasinghar after she accused him of elephant poaching. Lekhashree responded by tagging PM Modi on social media, demanding accountability and action against misogyny.
Patnaik condemned Khatua’s remarks as “perverse mentality,” accusing the BJP of suppressing women’s voices.
In a detailed post on X, Patnaik expressed deep dismay over the comments by Nilagiri BJP MLA Santosh Khatua, describing them as “unacceptable” and a reflection of a “sick mindset” aimed at silencing women in politics. The remarks, targeting a prominent BJD woman leader, were labelled as an attempt to assassinate her character rather than engage in policy-based discourse—a tactic Patnaik argued is designed to suppress women’s voices.
“What is most distressing is the profound silence of BJP leaders,” Patnaik wrote, noting the absence of any condemnation or action against the MLA from the ruling party. He accused the BJP of failing to uphold basic principles of respect toward women, urging Odisha’s conscious citizens to recognise the “true face” of such leaders. “Before preaching women’s empowerment, politicians must first learn to respect them,” he added, emphasising the need for a united front to oppose such behaviour.
Patnaik’s post concluded with a poignant appeal: “Let us unite, irrespective of party affiliations, to ensure accountability and justice. Otherwise, as a state, we will fail our daughters and mothers.”As the political temperature rises in Odisha, this incident may serve as a litmus test for the BJP’s commitment to gender sensitivity and the broader fight against misogyny in Indian politics.
The issue began with Lekhashree’s press conference alleging Khatua’s involvement in elephant tusk theft in Nilgiri. BJP rebutted, claiming the accusations were politically motivated, and stated that arrests have already been made for the incident.
