Anganwadi workers, BJP supporters protest Odisha Minister s remarks

Bhubaneswar Oct 27 (IANS) 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
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