Odisha minister Maharathy refuses to apologise for 'objectionable remarks against women'

Bhubaneswar: On allegations of making objectionable comments against women, Odisha Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy today refused to apologise.

“I am pained and devastated over the developments in last two days following some random comments made by me, which I think have been exaggerated by other people. I have always respected women and it is the reason why I have been elected MLA six times. I have been misinterpreted, and so I would not tender any apology,” said Maharathy.

Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha, the women wing of the saffron party intensified its protests against the minister over the issue and tried to barge into his official residence today.

Dozens of BJP women activists took to streets and staged a dharna in front of the minister’s official residence. Some of them also tried to enter his residence forcefully.

“We have come to seek clarification from the minister’s wife over his derogatory comments on women. Since his comments have hurt the entire women community, his wife, being a woman should first explain as to how he could stoop so low to make such irresponsible statements. The Chief Minister who is still silent on the matter will have to answer,” a BJP activist said.