” CM as a senior statesman appealed to state BJP leaders not to dishonour women entering public life, Union Minister Shri. Pradhan should have understood that this is about disrespect to women entering public life and not treat it as a political issue: Biju Janata Dal”
Bhubaneswar: “ Chief Minister Naveen Pattanaik after the victory of Padampur by-poll had mentioned how some Odisha BJP leaders had made demeaning, insulting, misogynist and dishonouring personalised remarks against an Odia tribal girl who had lost her father, Smt. Barsha Singh Bariha, who was the BJD candidate. His statement read that “with humility I would like to appeal state BJP leaders not to dishonour women entering public life and this won’t be appreciated by people of Odisha today or anytime in future.” The tears of senior BJP leader Shri. Rama Ranjan Baliarsingh and others should indicate the emotions of the people of Odisha especially women relating to the dishonour and insult meted out to Smt. Barsha Singh Bariha by some Odisha BJP party leaders during Padampur by-poll.” said Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra responding to the statements made by Union Minister Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan today ,
Dr. Patra added, “What message are we sending to women who want to enter public life. That if you enter public life you will be treated with contempt and dishonour. Women participation in public life is already very low in India and these kind of demeaning statements and treatment will further push women away from entering public life. Hon’ble CM Shri. Naveen Patnaik is not just President of BJD, he is trusted by the people of Odisha for more than two decades especially by women and see him as a senior statesman. It is his moral responsibility to point out this. It has nothing to do with politics. This is about women’s dignity and their participation in public life. “
“ Union Minister Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan should understand that this is a very sensitive issue regarding disrespect to a woman just entering public life and not treat it as a political issue. In the process he has tried to pull the PM and the schemes of union government into the statement which is unfortunate and misleading. We are sure our beloved Prime Minister and senior leaders of BJP will squarely condemn personalised demeaning statements made against any women dishonouring her dignity in the country including Barsha Singh Bariha”, Dr. Patra said.
