Political Firestorm: BJP MLA Santosh Khatua's Controversial Remarks Fuel Outrage

Political tensions in Odisha have escalated as BJP MLA Santosh Khatua is accused of making derogatory remarks about BJD leader Lekhashree Samantasinghar. The comments, condemned statewide, have led to calls for action from the BJP top brass.

The controversy erupted following a press conference where Samantasinghar linked Khatua to elephant poaching. In what appeared to be a retaliatory statement, Khatua allegedly attacked Samantasinghar's character.

The backlash has been swift, with BJD leaders, including President Naveen Patnaik, denouncing the remarks as an affront to women's participation in politics. The BJP, meanwhile, claims Khatua is being falsely implicated.

(With inputs from agencies.)