Womens Reservation Bill: BJP and BJD stage separate Odisha events ahead of Parliament session

Ahead of a three-day special Parliament session on the Womens Reservation Bill, BJP and BJD held separate programmes in Odisha, each claiming a record on womens empowerment. The BJP backed proposed changes to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, including a 33 per cent quota, while BJD cited Biju Patnaik legacy and state initiatives.

Ahead of a three-day special session of Parliament on the Womens Reservation Bill, the BJP and the Opposition BJD held separate events on Wednesday in Odisha. Both parties claimed long-standing support for women’s empowerment. The debate focused on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and earlier state steps on women’s representation and welfare.

The proposed changes to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. BJP leaders linked the move to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. BJD leaders, meanwhile, pointed to the role of Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik in shaping women-focused policies in Odisha.

Womens Reservation Bill events draw BJP support in Odisha

The BJP state unit organised an all-women two-wheeler rally backing the amendments. Hundreds of women and girls joined the ride from AG Chowk to Ramadevi Womens University. The BJP Yuva Morcha arranged the programme. Organisers also offered floral tributes at the statue of Ramadevi. State BJP womens wing leader Aishwarya Biswal attended.

Before the rally, the State Commission for Women held a meeting on the Womens Reservation Act. The gathering included Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also attended. Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Ray were among the participants.

Addressing the meeting, Majhi credited the Narendra Modi government’s work over the past 12 years. Majhi called the Womens Reservation Act, 2023, "the most revolutionary decision\" for women. Majhi said the step was a major move for women’s empowerment in independent India. Other speakers focused on wider welfare measures and representation.

Womens Reservation Bill debate includes BJD focus on Biju Patnaik

At Sankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters, party leaders held discussions titled \"Biju Babu -- the great leader of women empowerment.\" Senior BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra said the Odisha assembly under Naveen Patnaik passed a resolution supporting the Womens Reservation Bill. Mishra added that delegations met 22 national and regional parties for support.

In a statement, the BJD said Biju Patnaik took steps such as setting up the Department of Women and Child Development. The party also cited women police stations and womens banks. BJD womens wing president Snehangini Chhuria and chief whip Pramila Mallik spoke at the event. Other leaders highlighted the Patnaik father-son duo.

Mallik alleged the present BJP government has not ensured women’s safety in the state. Mallik claimed the government is focused on publicity campaigns. BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo said Biju Patnaik introduced 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies in 1992. Sahoo said Naveen Patnaik later raised it to 50 per cent and created the Mission Shakti Department.

With Parliament set to take up the Womens Reservation Bill in the special session, both parties continued to underline their roles. The BJP pointed to the proposed 33 per cent quota in legislatures. The BJD stressed earlier reforms in Odisha, along with institutional changes for women. The competing claims played out through rallies, meetings, and party discussions.

With inputs from PTI