BJP MLA warns of raining lathis on jatra dancers for vulgar performances | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: BJP MLA from Bhubaneswar-Ekamra, Babu Singh, has stirred up a controversy by warning that dancers will be beaten with ‘lathis’ (sticks) on stage if they perform vulgar acts during the Khandagiri jatra (opera) festival beginning in the city on Feb 6.
“At least 100 lathis have been bought specifically to beat item dancers if they stage inappropriate and obscene performances at the jatra. They will face a barrage of lathis. This is a strict warning for them,” Singh said.
The legislator’s remarks follow recent police warnings about legal action against performers for vulgarity on stage. The jatra festival will continue from Feb 6 to 17 as a part of the nine-day Kumbha Mela, also called Magha Mela, which will start near Khandagiri hills on Feb 4.
Jatra artistes strongly opposed the MLA’s statement. “We also oppose vulgarity and never endorse nude dances on stage. However, the MLA should not have threatened in a way that indicates violence. He should not instigate others to attack artistes. The MLA could have made a polite request to dancers,” said senior jatra performer Bapi Panda.
The MLA stood his ground. “Jatra has been fundamental to Odisha’s cultural heritage for centuries. However, certain groups are abandoning traditional values and promoting nudity to attract audiences. We will not tolerate it. Odia Asmita and culture should be protected,” Singh said.
At a recent planning meeting between police and event organisers, cops cautioned about legal repercussions for obscene acts during the jatra. “Public display of nudity during live jatra performances is a criminal offence and could disturb law and order. We have sought the cooperation of organisers for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival,” a senior police officer said.
Following several complaints about inappropriate content in jatra shows, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan recently announced govt plans to implement regulations controlling nudity on stage.
In March 2023, the culture department directed all district collectors and SPs via a letter to prevent obscene acts and nudity in opera shows. The department also sought strict action against dialogues with double meanings. However, jatra artistes indicated these rules were not enforced.
Last month, Malkangiri police filed a case against jatra dancer Bhagyashree Sahoo, known as ‘Sahoo Bhauja’, for performing an inappropriate dance during a show.
“At least 100 lathis have been bought specifically to beat item dancers if they stage inappropriate and obscene performances at the jatra. They will face a barrage of lathis. This is a strict warning for them,” Singh said.
The legislator’s remarks follow recent police warnings about legal action against performers for vulgarity on stage. The jatra festival will continue from Feb 6 to 17 as a part of the nine-day Kumbha Mela, also called Magha Mela, which will start near Khandagiri hills on Feb 4.
Jatra artistes strongly opposed the MLA’s statement. “We also oppose vulgarity and never endorse nude dances on stage. However, the MLA should not have threatened in a way that indicates violence. He should not instigate others to attack artistes. The MLA could have made a polite request to dancers,” said senior jatra performer Bapi Panda.
The MLA stood his ground. “Jatra has been fundamental to Odisha’s cultural heritage for centuries. However, certain groups are abandoning traditional values and promoting nudity to attract audiences. We will not tolerate it. Odia Asmita and culture should be protected,” Singh said.
At a recent planning meeting between police and event organisers, cops cautioned about legal repercussions for obscene acts during the jatra. “Public display of nudity during live jatra performances is a criminal offence and could disturb law and order. We have sought the cooperation of organisers for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the festival,” a senior police officer said.
Following several complaints about inappropriate content in jatra shows, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan recently announced govt plans to implement regulations controlling nudity on stage.
In March 2023, the culture department directed all district collectors and SPs via a letter to prevent obscene acts and nudity in opera shows. The department also sought strict action against dialogues with double meanings. However, jatra artistes indicated these rules were not enforced.
Last month, Malkangiri police filed a case against jatra dancer Bhagyashree Sahoo, known as ‘Sahoo Bhauja’, for performing an inappropriate dance during a show.
