BJD Seeks Action against BJP MLA over Controversial Remarks on Mahatma Gandhi, Women

Bhubaneswar: A delegation of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday met Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, urging him to take action against Nilagiri BJP MLA Santosh Khatua for his alleged controversial remarks against Mahatma Gandhi inside the Assembly and his purported indecent behaviour toward women.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, the BJD drew attention to Khatua’s alleged objectionable comments against senior BJD leader Lekha Samantsinghar.

Samantsinghar stated that the MLA had abused her before the media on July 2, 2025, after she held a press conference on his alleged involvement in a wildlife poaching case.

Despite raising the issue before the police, the State Commission for Women, and other forums, Samantsinghar said no concrete action has been taken so far. The BJD had also petitioned Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, seeking referral of the matter to the Ethics Committee, but claimed that the matter has seen no progress.

Accusing the government and administration of deliberate inaction, the delegation alleged that the lack of accountability has emboldened the MLA, culminating in his controversial remarks on Mahatma Gandhi during the Winter Session on December 4.

Calling Khatua’s behaviour misogynistic and unbecoming of a public representative, the memorandum urged the Governor to seek detailed reports from relevant authorities and consider expelling the MLA from the Assembly to set an example.

The delegation further sought the Governor’s intervention to restore normalcy in Malkangiri, which has seen unrest following the recent recovery of a 51-year-old tribal woman.