BJD terms harassment of Kendrapara Sarpanch an assault on grassroots democracy

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday described the alleged harassment, assault and public humiliation of Chameli Ojha, Sarpanch of Tikhiri Panchayat in Kendrapara district, as an assault on grassroots democracy and a grave affront to the dignity of elected women representatives.

Demanding a high-level and impartial inquiry into the incident, the party alleged that the episode has not only raised serious concerns over women’s safety in Odisha but has also undermined the spirit of the Panchayati Raj system by targeting a grassroots leader for allegedly questioning developmental works in her Panchayat.

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Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, BJD Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sulata Deo and former Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission Dr. Minati Behera alleged that the incident has raised serious concerns over women’s safety and the protection of elected women representatives in Odisha.

The leaders said the alleged assault on an elected woman Sarpanch, reportedly for questioning development works in her Panchayat, stands in sharp contrast to the BJP Government’s claims of promoting women’s empowerment. They argued that the incident has exposed what they described as the ruling party’s “double standards” on women’s rights and dignity.

According to Deo, Chameli Ojha, who is also associated with the BJP, has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking justice and has levelled serious allegations against the local MLA and the Block Development Officer (BDO). She said the episode has not only affected the dignity of an elected representative but has also raised questions about the functioning of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

Referring to a video of the incident that has circulated on social media, the BJD leaders alleged that police have so far failed to arrest those seen snatching Chameli’s mobile phone. They further claimed that the Sarpanch has accused the police of attempting to destroy crucial evidence allegedly stored on the device.

The party also cited Chameli’s allegations that she was subjected to mental and physical harassment and that her father and brother were assaulted by police personnel. Dr. Behera described the incident as an insult not only to the Sarpanch but to women across the state.

Highlighting the contributions of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Biju Patnaik towards women’s empowerment through 50 per cent reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions, the BJD leaders expressed concern over the treatment meted out to an elected woman representative.

The party demanded that all CCTV footage related to the incident be made public, Chameli Ojha’s mobile phone be returned immediately, action be taken against those responsible, and security be provided to her family. The BJD said it would continue its agitation on the issue until justice is delivered to the Sarpanch.