Bhubaneswar: A delegation of BJD on Friday called on Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and submitted a detailed memorandum, demanding stringent action against BJP MLA from Nilagiri Santosh Khatua over his “highly objectionable and derogatory” remarks against Mahatma Gandhi.
The regional party also accused the MLA of hurling misogynistic abuses at BJD general secretary (organisation) Lekhasri Samantsinghar in July 2025 after she publicly questioned his alleged involvement in a wildlife poaching case. The remarks, which went viral on social media, caused severe damage to her reputation, the memorandum stated.
It also listed a string of complaints lodged since then, including multiple FIRs registered across Balasore district, widespread protests by BJD workers and civil society organisations, and petitions sent to the President of India, the Odisha State Women’s Commission, the Director General of Police and the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
It added that no tangible action, however, has been taken against the MLA. “Rather, he is being paraded as the poster boy of BJP and has been seen accompanying the CM, Deputy CMs, and MPs in various programmes.”
The BJD claimed that the continued inaction has only emboldened Khatua, pointing to his latest controversial statement inside the Assembly targeting Mahatma Gandhi, which triggered fresh public outrage. They urged the Governor to direct authorities to collect all facts and evidence pertaining to the complaints against the MLA and to ensure his expulsion from the Odisha Assembly.
