The BJP Mahila Morcha on Saturday intensified its protests against Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy for allegedly making derogatory remarks against women.
Morcha members staged demonstrations at different places of the State, including Bhubaneswar and demanded the Minister’s resignation.
Members of the Morcha led by State president Pravati Parida took out a rally from the party’s State headquarters here and marched up to Sriya Talkies Square. Later, the protestors shouted slogans and burnt the effigy of Maharathy.
Sources said a meeting of the Mahila Morcha would be held in the evening to chalk out the future course of action.
“If Maharathy has made such remarks knowingly, he should be dismissed immediately. On the other hand, if that was a mistake, then also, Maharathy should be removed from the Council of Ministers as he has lost his mental balance,” Parida added.
In Angul and Kendrapada also, Morcha activists staged protests and burnt the Minister’s effigies.
However, BJD Mahila Morcha president Pramila Mallick “Maharathy’s statements are being manipulated and fabricated. People understand that they (BJP Mahila Morcha) are protesting without any issues,”
Earlier, Maharathy had said that his statement was “misinterpreted” and refused to tender an apology.
