Bhubaneswar, June 14:Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday strongly condemned the arrest of Tikiri Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Chameli Ojha, accusing the BJP-led Odisha government of suppressing the voices of elected representatives through coercive measures.
In a sharply worded statement posted on social media platform X, Patnaik alleged that the treatment meted out to the woman sarpanch reflected an alarming trend of intimidation against those raising public concerns. He described the alleged manhandling and arrest of Ojha, a sarpanch from Mahakalapada block in Kendrapara district, as an attack on democratic values and the dignity of women.
“Odisha is witnessing repressive actions by the BJP government against a woman sarpanch for voicing the concerns of the people,” Patnaik said. He further termed the reported incident inside a government office as an unacceptable act that has no place in a democratic setup.
The former chief minister also questioned the BJP’s repeated claims of promoting women’s empowerment. Referring to the party’s emphasis on “Nari Shakti,” he argued that such slogans lose significance if an elected woman representative can allegedly face humiliation and police action while advocating for development issues concerning her panchayat.
Patnaik said the incident raises broader concerns about the safety and respect accorded to women across the state. “If a woman sarpanch is treated in this manner for highlighting public issues, it raises serious questions about the condition of ordinary women in Odisha,” he remarked.
The BJD chief further accused the ruling party of applying different standards when dealing with political protests. He claimed that BJP leaders had previously entered government offices and staged demonstrations without facing similar legal consequences. “Is there a separate law under BJP rule?” he asked.
Calling upon Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to intervene, Patnaik urged the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure the protection of women’s dignity and self-respect.
The controversy originates from an incident at the Mahakalapada Block office on June 12, where Chameli Ojha reportedly confronted officials while pressing for local development-related demands. The situation allegedly escalated, leading to a scuffle. Police later detained and arrested her on charges including misconduct and obstruction of public servants while performing official duties.
Ojha was reportedly hospitalised following the incident and was taken into custody after being discharged, sparking strong political reactions. While the BJD has alleged that the sarpanch was assaulted and humiliated for raising public grievances, the administration has maintained that the action was taken in accordance with legal procedures.
The episode has since evolved into a major political flashpoint in Odisha, with opposition parties accusing the government of adopting high-handed tactics and misusing state machinery against grassroots elected representatives.
