Bhubaneswar: Was disrespect shown to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shreemayee Mishra in party headquarters Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar? As per reports, BJD’s Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha candidate Manmath Routray and Begunia MLA nominee Pradip Sahu insulted Shreemayee at the party’s Khurda district review meeting. As the situation turned tense, senior leaders tried to resolve the issue and restrain those involved in the row. While Pradip and Shreemayee arrived at an understanding, Manmath was stated to have walked out of the meeting. While senior BJD leaders were silent over the issue, Shreemayee said greatness lies in people who tolerate.
Why Disrespect To Shreemayee?
BJD’s observer for Bhubaneswar Parliamentary constituency Shreemayee Mishra was present at the review meeting of the party’s Khurda district unit. While discussion was underway on organisational position, Manmath reportedly made some adverse remarks about Shreemayee and claimed that he lost the Lok Sabha polls because of her. His supporters even hurled verbal abuse at the woman leader, who objected to it and accused Manmath of making cheap remarks about her. Pradip Sahu was also stated to have made objectionable remarks about Shreemayee. While senior leaders tried to resolve the issue, Manmath reportedly criticised the party organisation. After being reprimanded by senior leaders, he walked out of the meeting. Pradip reportedly expressed regret over his remarks and the situation turned normal.
One Who Endures Is Great, Not Who Attacks
Shreemayee has shared her reaction over the war of words that took place in Sankha Bhawan and said whatever happened was purely an internal matter of the party. However, she further stated that whoever has shown disrespect to women always faced the consequences. History shows that those who insulted women had to pay for it later, she said. The person who endures is great and not the one who makes distasteful remarks, she said. Describing Pradip Sahu as like her elder brother, she said a lot of cooperation was extended during the elections. She said that the party president will take appropriate decision on differences among leaders.
‘Women Should Also Learn To Respect’
Describing BJD as a democratic party, Manmath Routray said leaders may have different views on preparation of a roadmap for membership drive. Stating that all have due respect for women, he said women should also learn how to respect others. On the other hand, veteran leader Debi Prasad Mishra said no serious incident took place at the meeting of Khurda district unit. He said such matters are always resolved by the party.
It may be noted that BJD initially projected Shreemayee Mishra as its candidate for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat. However, finally the regional party nominated veteran leader Suresh Routray’s son Manmath Routray for the prestigious seat. Thereafter, Shreemayee had disappeared from the poll scene. However, after the defeat of BJD in the elections, she again became active on social media as well as organisational activities.