Hitting out at the BJP over the derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati questioning her character by BJP leader Dayashankar Singh, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said the comments were against “democratic norms”.
“Such derogatory remarks against a Dalit leader of national repute are against the democratic norms. Mayawati is a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a respected person,” said Patnaik in a statement.
Criticising the BJP strongly for its now-expelled leader Singh’s remarks, Patnaik said, “The derogatory remarks against Mayawati show the BJP’s anti-Dalit stand.”
Patnaik’s statement assumed significance as his Government has been targeted by the saffron arty, which recently termed the BJD Government as “anti-tribal” and “anti-Dalit” following the killing of five tribal civilians during an anti-Maoist operation in Kandhamal district on July 8.