Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Dr. Lekhashree Samantsinghar declared that she will file a ₹50 crore civil defamation suit against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nilgiri MLA Santosh Khatua for making obscene and derogatory remarks against women.
At a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Dr. Samantsinghar, joined by her counsel Mr. Suman Kumar Rautaray, strongly criticized the BJP’s silence. “The objectionable remarks made about me, and the refusal of both the BJP and the state government to act, expose their attitude towards women in Odisha. Instead of disciplining Mr. Khatua, the BJP has projected him as a poster boy, which is shameful,” she said.
She stressed that the controversy goes beyond personal insult and concerns the dignity of over two crore women in Odisha. She reminded reporters that the BJD organized protests, filed complaints in multiple police stations, and approached the DGP, the Odisha State Commission for Women, and the National Commission for Women, but authorities ignored these efforts.
“If Mr. Khatua does not issue an unconditional public apology, I will move court with a ₹50 crore defamation suit. This is not just my fight; it is a battle for the dignity and self-respect of every woman in Odisha. Women must remain vigilant against a party that humiliates and discards them,” Dr. Samantsinghar asserted.
Her counsel, Mr. Rautaray, said Mr. Khatua’s remarks constitute a cognizable offence under law and damaged Dr. Samantsinghar’s reputation and dignity. “No civilized society can accept such conduct from an elected representative. We have already served a legal notice. If he fails to apologize, we will proceed with the defamation case. We will fight until justice prevails,” he affirmed.
The controversy has fueled a new political storm in Odisha, with the BJD accusing the BJP of protecting leaders who demean women and ignoring accountability.
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