Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday hit out at the BJP over the derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati saying that it shows its "anti-Dalit" stand.He also said such derogatory statement against a national leader is against 'democratic norms'."Such derogatory remarks against a national leader is against the democratic norms. Mayawati is the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a Dalit leader, who is respected on the national level," he said in a statement.
Condemning the remarks, made of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh (who has since been expelled), he said: "The derogatory remarks against Mayawati shows BJP's anti-Dalit stand."Patnaik's statement comes as his government is under attack from the opposition BJP over the killing of five tribals in crossfire during an anti-Maoist operation by security personnel in Kandhamal on July 8.Besides, at least 20 children of Juang tribe died due to malnutrition in mineral-rich Jajpur district in last four months, raising questions about the development claims of the state government.