Wed Feb 05 23:45:00 UTC 2025: **Odisha CM Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Tribal Women’s Complexion**
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is facing intense criticism following alleged remarks about the complexion of tribal women. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), his own party, has demanded a public apology.
Senior BJD leader and former Rajya Sabha member Sarojini Hembram, along with Mayurbhanj Zilla Parishad President Bharati Hansda, condemned Majhi’s statement, asserting that it deeply hurt the sentiments of the tribal community. They highlighted the increasing incidents of violence against tribal women in the state and criticized the CM’s perceived silence on the impending submergence of tribal villages due to the Polavaram project. Hembram contrasted Majhi’s actions with the previous BJD government’s developmental initiatives for tribal education under Naveen Patnaik.
The Congress party previously criticized Majhi for the remarks, while the BJP defended him, claiming the comments were taken out of context. The controversy underscores growing concerns regarding the representation and well-being of tribal communities in Odisha.
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