In a move that has sparked controversy, a woman BJD leader who recently brought harassment allegations against a labour minister has been appointed to a new post. The BJP has claimed that the move is an attempt to “shut her mouth.”
The woman in question, whose identity has not been revealed, is a senior leader in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party, which is in power in the eastern state of Odisha. She had accused the state’s labour minister, who belongs to the BJP, of making sexually suggestive comments to her during a meeting.
The allegations had caused a stir in political circles, with opposition parties calling for the minister’s resignation. The BJP had denied the allegations and accused the BJD of playing politics.
Now, just weeks after the allegations were made public, the BJD has announced that the woman leader will be appointed to a new post. The nature of the post has not been revealed, but reports suggest that it is a senior position within the party.
The move has drawn criticism from the BJP, which has accused the BJD of trying to silence the woman leader. “This is a classic example of the BJD’s culture of silencing its critics,” a senior BJP leader said.
The woman leader has not yet commented on her new appointment, but BJD sources have defended the move. “She is a very capable leader and has done a lot for the party,” a BJD spokesperson said. “Her new post is a recognition of her hard work and dedication.”
The controversy comes at a time when the BJD and BJP are gearing up for crucial state elections in Odisha next year. The BJD has been in power in the state since 2000, but the BJP has been making inroads in recent years and hopes to win power in the state.
The appointment of the woman leader to a new post is likely to add fuel to the political fire in the state, and the controversy is likely to continue in the coming days.