TNI Bureau: BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday mounted a strong critique of the Centre’s move to link women’s reservation with the delimitation exercise, calling it detrimental to Odisha’s political representation.

Reacting to the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, Patnaik warned that any redrawing of constituencies based on population could reduce Odisha’s relative strength in Parliament. He accused the BJP of overlooking the state’s interests while pushing forward the proposal.

While reaffirming his party’s consistent support for women’s empowerment, Patnaik emphasized that such measures should not come at the cost of federal balance. He cited Odisha’s decision to implement 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions as a landmark step and reiterated backing for the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023.

“Empowering women is essential, but it should not be tied to a process that weakens Odisha’s voice at the national level,” he said.

Patnaik also took aim at BJP MPs from the state, alleging that none spoke against the potential impact of delimitation on Odisha. He said their silence raises serious concerns about their commitment to protecting the state’s interests.

Stressing that regional representation must not be compromised, Patnaik asserted that the BJD would continue to oppose any move that diminishes Odisha’s political standing, even as it supports genuine efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance.