The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of misleading the public regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill and misrepresenting the opposition’s stance.

Addressing a press conference at Shankha Bhavan, senior BJD leaders, including Tukuni Sahu and Sarmistha Sethi, alleged that the BJP-led central government created confusion by linking the Women’s Reservation Bill with the Delimitation Bill during a special parliamentary session.

BJD Denies Opposing Women’s Reservation

The party clarified that it has consistently supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which was passed in September 2023 with support from multiple political parties. However, BJD opposed the proposed delimitation process, citing concerns over a potential reduction in Odisha’s parliamentary representation.

According to BJD leaders, Odisha’s share of representation could decline from 3.9 percent to 3.5 percent after delimitation, which they claim would adversely impact the state politically, economically, and socially.

Naveen Patnaik Raised Concerns Over Odisha’s Representation

BJD president Naveen Patnaik had earlier written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Members of Parliament from Odisha, urging them to raise their voices against any move that could harm the state’s interests.

The party criticized BJP MPs from Odisha for supporting the bill despite these concerns and remaining silent on the potential implications for the state.

BJD Highlights Its Record on Women Empowerment

Defending its track record, BJD emphasized that it has been at the forefront of promoting women’s empowerment in Odisha. The party credited former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik for introducing 33 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies in 1992.

Under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, this quota was increased to 50 percent. Additionally, BJD passed a resolution in 2018 supporting 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.

Focus on Grassroots Empowerment Through Mission Shakti

The party also highlighted its flagship initiative, Mission Shakti, which has empowered around 8 million women economically across the state.

However, BJD alleged that after the change in government, the momentum of such initiatives has slowed, affecting women who had previously benefited from these programs.

Political Debate Intensifies

BJD maintained that the BJP’s allegations that it opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill are baseless and politically motivated. The party asserted that the people of Odisha would not accept what it termed as “false narratives” surrounding the issue.