Sat Jul 05 08:35:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided information:

**BJP MLA Accused of Derogatory Remarks Against BJD Leader, Sparks Outrage in Odisha**

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha – July 5, 2025** – A major political controversy has erupted in Odisha after a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) filed a police complaint against BJP MLA Santosh Khatua, accusing him of making derogatory and misogynistic remarks. Lekhashree Samantsinghar, BJD’s senior general secretary and spokesperson, alleges that Khatua compared her to a “prostitute” and a “kingpin of a sex racket” during a media interaction on June 2nd, in response to her earlier accusations linking him to elephant poaching and sheltering criminals.

Samantsinghar claims Khatua’s statements, made in response to her accusations regarding his connection to elephant poaching, are a direct attack on her character and an insult to women in politics. She filed the complaint at the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar on Friday, July 4th.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD patriarch Naveen Patnaik has strongly condemned the MLA’s remarks, calling them “absolutely unacceptable” and reflecting a “sick mentality.” He voiced his dismay on social media, stating that the BJP’s silence on the matter is particularly concerning and indicative of a broader issue of misogyny within the ruling party.

“What is most distressing is the deafening silence of BJP leaders,” Patnaik posted. “Not one of them has condemned the MLA’s hateful comments or held him accountable. This silence exposes the mindset of the ruling party.”

The BJD has vowed to pursue the matter to its “logical conclusion” and demands a public clarification from the BJP regarding Khatua’s comments. The party emphasized that the remarks are not merely a personal attack but a reflection of regressive attitudes towards women. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for citizens to rise above party lines and confront anti-women mindsets. The BJP has yet to respond to requests for comment.

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