Women 'forced' to join ruling-BJD’s padyatra in Nayagarh

Nayagarh: Serious allegations of women being forced to participate in a padyatra organised by the ruling-BJD in Bhapur block of Nayagarh surfaced today.

Local women have alleged that they were threatened by BJD leaders that they will not be provided Indira Awas Yojana benefits and pension if they do not attend the padyatra.

The ruling party leaders offered Rs 15,000 to every self-help group for participation in the rally, the women alleged.

"We took part in the rally as they said they will provide us some pension and bring us under the ambit of Indira Awas Yojana," a woman complainant said.

On the other hand, Bhapur BJD president refuted the allegations.

"Women have joined the rally without any force and no self-help groups have been approached. All the allegations are baseless," BJD president of Bhapur block, Gayadhar Parida, said.