**Bhubaneswar:** The members of BJP Mahila Morcha, who were on their way to meet BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today demanding action against Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy for his alleged derogatory remarks on women, were stopped midway by police at Raj Mahal Square.
Hundreds of BJP Mahila Morcha members gathered at the party office here today morning and marched towards Naveen Niwas to seek a reply from the Chief Minister over the issue.
BJP Mahila Morcha president Prabhati Parida reiterated her earlier statement that Odisha Chief Minister’s mum over the issue is more painful than his Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy’s disparaging remarks against the women.
“I hope as we are holding a peaceful march, the Chief Minister who is a popular leader of the State will provide an opportunity to talk with the women. The Mahila Morcha will continue their agitation if the Chief Minister continues his anti-women stance,” she added.
Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy has already argued that his statement has been misinterpreted by media as he has never said anything derogatory against women.
He has also countered such allegations in his media reactions earlier saying he is deeply saddened by such incident, but won’t apologise as being demanded by the BJP Mahila Morcha.
**Also Read:** [BJD’s “Jan Sampark Padayatra”: We Believe In Deeds Not Words, Says Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/bjd-s-jan-sampark-padayatra-we-believe-in-deeds-not-words-says-odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik)
