On Dec 12, 2025, a group of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) opposition leaders met Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati in Bhubaneswar, urging the governor to take measures against Nilagiri MLA Santosh Khatua. The MLA had made a sensational remark in the state assembly’s Winter session, calling Mahatma Gandhi “unqualified” and was also accused of behaving inappropriately toward women.
In a memorandum to the governor, the BJD highlighted that Khatua allegedly insulted senior party member Lekha Samantsinghar. According to Samantsinghar, the MLA swore at her on July 2, 2025 after she held a press conference about his alleged role in a wildlife‑poaching case. Both Samantsinghar and the party have approached the police and the State Commission for Women, but no action has yet been taken.
The BJD has also filed a petition with Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, asking her to refer the matter to the ethics committee. “Unfortunately, all the steps mentioned have been ignored so far. Neither the state government, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the police, nor the women’s commission have investigated the case—or considered punishing the misogynistic MLA,” said Samantsinghar. “Instead, he is still being promoted as a flag‑bearer of the BJP and seen alongside the chief minister, deputy chief ministers, and BJP MPs at various programmes.”
The BJD claims that the police and administrative silence has emboldened Khatua, which may explain his audacious remarks about Gandhiji on December 4 in the assembly. “Given Khatua’s lack of remorse, I sincerely request you gather all the facts from the relevant authorities and remove him from the assembly. Such an action would set a clear example and discourage anyone from abusing their elected office to harm society,” Samantsinghar implored the governor.
In addition, the delegation asked Governor Kambhampati to restore normalcy in Malkangiri district, where widespread violence erupted after the recent recovery of a 51‑year‑old tribal woman.
— gyan/khz
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