BJP Leader’s Controversial Remark against Muslim Women Sparks Uproar in Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly today witnessed uproar over the BJP leader’s controversial remark against Muslim women.

During Zero Hour in the Assembly, the deputy leader of BJP Bishnu Charan Sethi stirred a controversy while defending the Triple Talaq Bill, saying that the abandoned Muslim women were forced into flesh trade.

Speaking about the Bill, which is turning into a law following President Ram Nath Kovind’s approval, the BJP leader said that instant triple talaq was an archaic law and finds no mention in Quran.

The Triple Talaq system should not be allowed to continue in India when it was banned in as many as 38 Muslim countries, the BJP MLA said
Later, Sethi made a controversial remark while saying that abandoned Muslim women were forced into prostitution and they dominated the red-light areas in cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata.

Following the controversial remark, the Congress MLAs created ruckus after rushing to the well of the House. Their legislators Santosh Singh Saluja and Suresh Kumar Routray stood on their seats and agitated. Other Congress MLAs Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Dasarathi Gamang joined the agitation.

The Congress urged the Speaker that the statement be immediately expunged from the records. MLA Mohammed Moquim and C S Rajan Ekka also supported the demand.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal also condemned the Sethi’s controversial statement.

However, the BJP legislator defended his statement explaining that he has not made any adverse remark against any community, but quoted survey reports that say Muslim women dominate the red-light areas in Mumbai and Kolkata.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Surya Narayan Patra told the House that he would look into the remark made by Sethi.

The Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 3 pm.