War of words between BJD- BJP over women SHG members in Odisha

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) are now engaged in a heated war of words after the former alleged that women SHG members are working after taking money.

BJP's State general secretary, Lekhashree Samantasinghar said, “BJD is using women as weapon and for vote bank politics. It is unfortunate the way BJD is accusing BJP of defaming women without facts and the party is indulging in cheap politics.”

According to Samantasinghar, it is BJD under whose rule there has been rise in crime against women and neglecting them. “The BJD is using women to cover the failure of the government in the last 23 years and also for vote bank politics,” the BJP leader added.

On the other hand, BJD spokesperson, Shreemayi Mishra said that how justified are the statements which are an insult to the women self-help group (SHG) members.

“At various places, the BJP leaders are saying that SHG women are working by taking money. At a time when BJD is trying to empower women, such statements are uncalled for and the people of Odisha will decide,” said Mishra.

According to Mishra, not only SHG women members, the BJP is humiliating and hurting sentiments of other women in other fields too.