Bhubaneswar: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday petitioned Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) alleging that BJP was trying to insult and defame members of women Self Help Groups (SHG) in bypoll-bound Dhamnagar assembly constituency in Bhadrak district.
A delegation of BJD met CEO S K Lohani in his office in Bhubaneswar and submitted a memorandum alleging that BJP was deliberately using a woman with her face covered for distributing cash and then levelling baseless charges against the ruling party.
While different political parties are busy campaigning for their candidates, BJP is trying to tarnish the image of members of women SHGs as part of a conspiracy, the BJD memorandum claimed.
“By indulging in such petty politics, BJP is trying to insult and defame the SHG women members of Dhamnagar. BJP’s game plan is politically motivated and should be condemned,” it said.
Stating that BJD has all along been respecting the SHG women and working for their development, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said these women have also showered blessings on the party.
Since SHGs are going to support BJD in November 3 by-election in Dhamnagar, BJP is indulging in petty politics fearing defeat in the bypoll, he said, adding that the people of Dhamnagar will give a befitting reply to BJP.
