Bhubaneswar, (Newshub desk) —The women’s wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a fiery protest in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, demanding immediate action against Nilagiri MLA Santosh Khatua over alleged derogatory remarks aimed at party leader Dr. Lekhashree Samantsinghar.
Led by prominent figures including Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, the rally saw effigy burning and a march from Rajmahal Square to the Master Canteen.
The leaders submitted a memorandum to Odisha Police DG Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, urging swift arrest. Complaints have been filed in both Balasore and Bhubaneswar, intensifying calls for police intervention.
Responding to the controversy, Khatua denied initial wrongdoing and alleged defamation by BJD leaders. He emphasised respect for all genders and confirmed that investigations are underway.
Adding to the unrest, BJD accused Khatua of harbouring poachers in connection with the June 15 elephant poaching incident in Nilagiri, where three suspects were allegedly arrested from his farmhouse.
No arrests have been made yet, but the dual allegations have deepened the BJP-BJD divide ahead of key political developments.
