Naveen Patnaik Urges Odisha MPs to Unite Against Proposed Drop in Parliamentary Representation

Bhubaneswar, April 16: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has called upon Members of Parliament from the state to unite and safeguard Odisha’s interests amid concerns over a proposed constitutional amendment that could reduce its representation in the Lok Sabha.

Expressing strong reservations about the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 members, Patnaik urged MPs across party lines to carefully assess its broader implications. In a letter addressed to all parliamentarians from Odisha, the BJD president emphasized the need for clarity and safeguards, particularly regarding the linkage of women’s reservation with the delimitation process.

“It is imperative that we seek clarity, safeguards, and, if necessary, a decoupling of women’s reservation from the delimitation process. We should only support the Amendment if Odisha’s share of representation is in no way reduced or compromised,” Patnaik stated.

He warned that any relative reduction in Odisha’s voice in Parliament would weaken the state’s ability to advocate for critical issues such as disaster management, tribal welfare, and regional development. According to Patnaik, the proposed changes could bring down Odisha’s share in the Lok Sabha from 3.9 per cent to 3.4 per cent, placing it among the top states facing a decline in representation.

Describing the issue as one that goes beyond politics, Patnaik said the amendment touches upon the federal spirit of the Constitution. “A 0.5 per cent reduction may appear small, but it is significant given our already limited representation,” he noted.

Calling for a united stand, he appealed to MPs to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament to ensure Odisha’s rightful position remains protected. He also reiterated that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is prepared to take the matter to the people if the state’s concerns are overlooked.

The letter comes at a time when debates over the women’s reservation Bill and its proposed implementation through delimitation are gaining momentum, adding political significance to Patnaik’s appeal.