Bhubaneswar: 

Women hater? Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik

Orissa's bachelor Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik yesterday refused to accept ruling BJD's badge from a girl at a rally jointly organised by the youth and students wings of the party.

Ironically, Patnaik, during his speech said his government had launched mission Shakti to empower women.

The chief minister, who is also BJD's president, however, pinned a party badge on his white kurta when a male leader offered him the same.

Sensing the party president's mood, senior leaders asked the girl not to hand over the candle to Patnaik when she tried to help him light the ceremonial lamp at the start of the meet.

Sources close to Patnaik said there is nothing unusual on part of the chief minister as he does not like a woman or girl pinning a badge on his chest or putting vermilion on his forehead at any function.