BJD Backs Women’s Reservation Bill, Naveen Calls for Unity on Odisha’s Interests

Bhubaneswar, April 17 : The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has extended its support to the Women’s Reservation Bill, with party president Naveen Patnaik reiterating the party’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment.

In a statement issued on Friday, Patnaik said the introduction of the bill in Parliament coinciding with the death anniversary of his father, Biju Patnaik, was a meaningful moment. He recalled Biju Patnaik’s pioneering role in promoting women’s empowerment in Odisha as early as the 1990s.

“The BJD strongly believes in empowering women, and therefore we extend our full support to the Women’s Reservation Bill,” Patnaik said, while paying tribute to his father. He described Biju Patnaik as a visionary leader whose courage and ideals continue to inspire generations.

At the same time, Patnaik launched a veiled political attack, alleging that certain forces in Odisha politics have a history of betrayal. Without naming anyone, he said the truth cannot remain hidden for long and that people are aware of such actions.

Raising broader concerns, the BJD leader flagged what he termed as the historical neglect of Odisha by successive Union governments. He expressed apprehension over the proposed delimitation exercise, stating that it has triggered serious questions about the state’s political identity and representation.

“Odia self-respect is at stake. This is the time for all of us to unite and fight for the interests of our state,” he asserted.

Patnaik also revealed that he had written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to convene a special session of the State Assembly within 48 hours to pass a resolution safeguarding Odisha’s interests in the delimitation process.

He, however, expressed disappointment over what he described as the state government’s inaction, alleging that it appeared more focused on protecting the interests of the Bharatiya Janata Party than those of Odisha.

Calling for unity, Patnaik appealed to all Members of Parliament from the state, cutting across party lines, to raise the issue strongly at the national level. “If we fail to stand united at this crucial juncture, history will not forgive us,” he warned.

Concluding his statement, he said that Biju Patnaik remains a symbol of Odia pride and that a united effort to safeguard the state’s interests would be the most fitting tribute to him on his death anniversary.