The misconduct, physical assault and intimidation faced by Chameli Ojha, Sarpanch of Tikhiri Panchayat under Mahakalpada Block, have raised serious questions about women’s safety in Odisha. While the State Government is celebrating the completion of two years in office, the public humiliation of an elected woman representative in such a manner is extremely shameful and condemnable, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan today, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sulata Deo and former Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission Dr. Minati Behera stated that BJP’s slogan of Nari Shakti Vandan has become a mockery. Under the BJP Government, a woman Sarpanch is being humiliated and subjected to assault merely for raising questions relating to development works in her Panchayat.
Smt. Sulata Deo said that in her letter to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Chameli Ojha has levelled several serious allegations against the local MLA and the BDO. As an active member of the BJP, she is appealing to the Chief Minister of Odisha and seeking justice. The humiliation inflicted upon Chameli has posed a challenge to the dignity of women and to the three-tier Panchayati Raj system as a whole. While the Chief Minister claims that women’s empowerment is one of the Government’s core objectives, the manner in which a BJP-supported elected woman representative has been subjected to assault has exposed the BJP’s double standards.
In the video that has gone viral on social media, the police have so far failed to arrest the individuals seen snatching Chameli’s mobile phone. According to Chameli’s allegations, the police are attempting to destroy crucial information and evidence stored in that mobile phone. The manner in which she was dragged away by the police and her subsequent condition, as reflected in her statements while suffering in the police station and hospital, clearly indicates that she was subjected to mental and physical torture. She has also alleged that her father and brother were assaulted by the police.
Prabad Purusha Late Biju Patnaik and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had given a new direction to women’s empowerment in Odisha. Through 50 percent reservation in the Panchayati Raj system, lakhs of women were provided opportunities for leadership. Today, the harassment of a woman representative within that very system is deeply disturbing.
Dr. Minati Behera said that the manner in which Sarpanch Chameli Ojha, who is fighting for the rights of the people, was subjected to public humiliation and harassment has exposed the true face of the State Government. This is not merely an insult to Chameli, but to the entire womanhood. Instead of encouraging elected women representatives, the BJP Government is humiliating them, implicating them in false cases and then claiming to champion women’s empowerment.
A high-level and impartial inquiry into the incident should be conducted, and all CCTV footage should be made public immediately. Chameli Ojha’s mobile phone should be returned to her without delay. Strong action should be taken against all those responsible for the incident. Security should be provided to the victim and her family, and her allegations should be investigated fairly and impartially. The Biju Janata Dal will not tolerate any injustice concerning the dignity, safety and rights of women. The BJD will continue its agitation and struggle on this issue until justice is delivered to Chameli Ojha.