Bhubaneswar, April 15: Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has written a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi. In this letter, he expresses support for the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ and the Women’s Reservation Bill, emphasizing that Biju Babu has always been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and initiated the reservation for women at the panchayat level.
The letter highlights Odisha’s historical and cultural significance, noting that the state was formed on April 1, 1936, based on language. It was the first state in India created on the basis of the Odia language to unite Odia-speaking people.
Patnaik stated that the formation of Odisha is the result of a long struggle and sacrifices made by many visionary leaders and common people who contributed to preserving Odia identity.
He also mentioned that Odisha played a crucial role in the freedom struggle. From the 1817 Paika Rebellion to the Quit India Movement of 1942, many great leaders, including Baxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, and Gopabandhu Das, contributed to the fight for independence. Additionally, the 12-year-old martyr Baji Rout is recognized as a symbol of courage.
The letter references Jagannath culture, stating that it strengthens India’s inclusive and diverse tradition while promoting values such as equality, brotherhood, and compassion.
Patnaik asserted that modern India draws strength from Odisha’s culture, courage, and resources. The state’s minerals, ports, and energy resources significantly contribute to national development.
Furthermore, the letter expresses concerns regarding the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which pertains to delimitation. It suggests altering the structure of the Lok Sabha and increasing the number of members from 543 to 850.
According to Patnaik, Odisha currently has 21 MPs, representing approximately 3.9% of the total. If this proposal is implemented, the number could rise to 29, but the representation ratio would drop to 3.4%. This could lead to a nearly 15% reduction in Odisha’s political representation.
He warned that this would weaken the state’s political voice and contradict the spirit of federalism. The letter also states that Odisha is projected to be the fourth most adversely affected state in this process.
Patnaik affirmed that while the BJD supports the Women’s Reservation Law, it will only endorse the delimitation bill if Odisha’s political rights are safeguarded.
He urged the Chief Minister to take this issue seriously and convene a special session of the Assembly within 48 hours to pass the proposal. He emphasized that any reduction in Odisha’s political rights should not be tolerated.
The BJD has made it clear that it will stand with the government to protect the state’s interests on this matter.
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