Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of anganwadi workers and BJP supporters held separate protests here on Friday against Odisha Minister Damodar Rout’s alleged remarks against anganwadi workers and a BJP woman leader.
Rout denied making any remark against state BJP spokesperson Lekhasri Samantsinghar.
The anganwadi workers also burnt the Agriculture Minister’s effigy at the Master Canteen Square and demanded an unconditional apology from him.
“The Minister should resign on moral grounds,” said an agitating anganwadi worker.
State Bharatiya Janata Party’s women’s wing marched in protest towards Rout’s official residence but were stopped by police.
“He should be sacked immediately for making derogatory remarks against women in the state. The BJD government does not respect women,” said Samantsinghar.
More security personnel were deployed at Rout’s official residence to avoid any untoward incident.
Senior Biju Janata Dal leaders on Friday tried to distance themselves from Rout’s alleged statement on Samantsinghar’s marital status.
Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro said “politicians should remain within limits”.
“If Damodar (Rout) has said anything defamatory, it is not appropriate. However, as I have not heard his exact statement, I cannot comment on it,” said Patro.
IANS