BJD steps up attack on Odisha CM over his remarks about complexion of tribal women

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi speaks during the inauguration of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, in Bhubaneswar on January 9.
| Photo Credit: ANI

After Congress targeted Chief Minister Mohan Majhi over his alleged remarks about the complexion of tribal women, the Biju Janata Dal demanded an apology from him stating that his statement had deeply hurt sentiments.

“Odisha CM Mr. Majhi’s statement that he was searching for a fair-complexioned woman for marriage and that is why he got married in Mayurbhanj district reflects his discriminatory mindset. As a tribal himself, his remark that tribal women are not fair has deeply hurt our sentiments,” senior BJD leader and former Rajya Sabha member Sarojini Hembram.

Addressing a press conference, Ms. Hembram along with Mayurbhanj Zilla Parishad President Bharati Hansda at Baripada, said: “Instead of ensuring the safety and welfare of the tribal community, he has made disparaging remarks about the complexion of tribal women, which is extremely unfortunate.”

“At a time when incidents of rape and atrocities against tribal women are increasing across the State — including in Nabarangpur, Rourkela, Kuchinda, and Remuna — and when the tribal community in Odisha does not feel safe, we strongly condemn the CM’s remarks,” she said.

The former Rajya Sabha MP pointed out: “Since the BJP government took power, the development of tribals in the State has been neglected. Once the Polavaram project is completed, 122 tribal-dominated villages in Malkangiri will be submerged, yet the tribal CM Mr. Majhi, has remained silent on this issue.”

Ms. Hansda said under the leadership of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the previous BJD government had undertaken significant developmental initiatives for tribal education, including transformation of schools and the establishment of a Special Development Council (SDC) for tribal areas.

However, instead of continuing this developmental programme, the tribal CM has discontinued the projects carried out through the SDC. They demanded that Mr. Majhi should apologise to the people of the State.

On Monday, the Congress had held a press conference slamming the Odisha CM for the remarks on tribal women. The BJP, however, defended Mr. Majhi saying an innocent remark made in jest had been deliberately misrepresented for political gain.