Coming under severe criticism by opposition BJP and even by his BJD leaders, Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout on Saturday expressed “regret” over his disparaging remarks against women Anganwadi Workers.
At a BJD meeting in Jajpur district three days ago, Rout had commented “Swamiki chhadi Anganwadi”, meaning “leaving husband, going to Anganwadi”.
The BJD on Saturday issued a video in which Rout regretted if his statement hurt anyone’s sentiment. Interestingly, Rout, who is fond of talking to the media on a daily basis, preferred to avoid the Press obviously not to land himself in further controversy over any cross-questioning.
Rout said, “Our Chief Minister is termed as ‘a burnt transformer’, ‘Dhritarashtra’ and ‘dancing to others’ tunes’ and senior Ministers are called ‘Shrikhandi’, ‘wild bears’ and ‘circus jokers’(by BJP leaders). If such scathing remarks are correct, I’ve nothing to say on it,”
“When a woman leader of a national political party utters such words in a TV studio, what should be the answerIJ It is for the people to decide,” he said.
However, BJP State spokesperson lekhashree Samantsinghar said, “He (Rout) has not apologised (for his anti-Anganwadi Worker remarks). From his attitude, it seems he is threatening us. He is behaving like a Shrikhandi at the instance of the Chief Minister.”
BJP Mahila Morcha president Pravati Parida said, “Whatever I came to know through media, Damababu has not apologised. He has expressed his regret. For feeling so, he took 72 long hoursIJ When will he seek apologyIJ”
“Whatever he may try to explain, the remarks he has passed imply Anganwadi didis. He shouldn’t have said like that at a public place. He is now telling a lie linking his remark to an Odia proverb. Today also, I reiterate that his mental state is out of order. Unless and until he begs due apology, the working women of the State will never forgive him. Our protest will continue.”
In reaction, BJD spokesperson Debasish Samantaray said, “Damababu is a very senior leader. He has expressed regret over the matter. Nothing more should be discussed about it.”
Despite Rout expressing regret over his statement, protests continued in several parts of the State by BJP activists.