Bhubaneswar: Demanding ouster of Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy from the state Cabinet for his alleged objectionable remarks against women, state BJP Mahila Morcha Wednesday attempted to barge into Maharathy’s official quarters here.
Shouting slogans against Maharathy, many BJP Mahila Morcha workers entered into a scuffle with the police personnel while trying to enter into the residence of the minister. The BJP women workers have been demanding unconditional apology from Maharathy and his ouster from the ministerial berth.
“As he has insulated our mothers and sisters, he has no right to continue in his position. The Chief Minister should immediately remove him from his Cabinet, otherwise we will intensify our agitation,” a BJP Mahila Morcha worker said.
In a media reaction, the minister had reportedly stated that women along with their two husbands and children will welcome Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his next visit to Satyabadi.
In his clarification, the agriculture minister said, “My comments have been misinterpreted and published in the media. I am deeply saddened. I need to state here that I honour a lot the mothers (women) of my constituency. As I give a patient audience to their grievances, I have been blessed and elected as their six-time MLA.”
Stating he had not made derogatory remarks against women, he said there is no question of begging apology.
“I had said that the Chief Minister’s programme has been slated at Satyabadi in near future. As Uttara to Satasankha come under my constituency, I will organise about 30,000 women for the CM’s meeting. When those women would come, definitely their husbands would also accompany them. Hence, the number would go up to 60,000 otherwise it could have been 90,000. I have never uttered anything more,” he further clarified.
