Opposition terms Odisha assembly session political ‘drama’

Odisha’s opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress, on Saturday termed the state government’s proposed special Assembly session on women’s participation in democracy as a “drama” and politically motivated move.

The special session, scheduled for April 30, will focus on the theme ‘Participation of women in Indian Democracy’. However, opposition leaders alleged that the initiative is aimed at political optics rather than meaningful reform.

Responding to the criticism, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the opposition of obstructing efforts to implement women’s reservation in legislatures.

The development comes days after a Constitution Amendment Bill proposing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies from 2029, along with an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 816, was defeated in the Lok Sabha.

The issue has triggered a fresh political debate in the state, with both sides trading charges over commitment to women’s representation in governance.