Odisha Elections 2024: BJD Moves EC Again Over ‘Harassment’ Of Women Workers By BJP

Bhubaneswar: The BJD on Sunday reiterated it demand for action against Odisha BJP leaders and candidates for allegedly defaming and intimidating women ASHA and Anganwadi workers and Mission Shakti members.

The party again submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) outlining their concerns. “It has come to light that certain BJP leaders and candidates are coercing them to support the saffron party in the upcoming elections. They are being targeted with threats of job loss and other consequences if they do not comply with these demands. This is clear violation of their rights and an attempt to manipulate the electoral process through fear and intimidation,” it said.

The BJD delegation alleged this dangerous strategy is aimed at creating a fear psychosis among women working at the grassroots.  “These actions violate the Model Code of Conduct and show the lack of respect BJP members have towards women,” it said while urging the EC to take strong action against them and protection to these workers.

On April 11, the BJD had alleged that ASHA and anganwadi workers, and leaders of Mission Shakti, were being falsely accused by BJP representatives in an attempt to influence them to support the saffron party’s agenda in the upcoming elections.

The BJP state unit had then hit back at the BJD and said they are the ones who are disrespecting the women workers.