TNI Bureau: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has written a strongly worded letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing deep concern over the proposed Delimitation Bill and its potential impact on the state’s political representation.

In his letter dated April 15, Patnaik highlighted that the proposed Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats. While Odisha’s number of MPs may rise from 21 to 29, he warned that the state’s overall share would decline from 3.9% to 3.4%, effectively reducing its political influence at the national level.

Calling it a “grave injustice” to the people of Odisha, Patnaik argued that the state could face nearly a 15% loss in political representation despite its success in population control and human capital development. He cautioned that such a move undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and penalizes states that have performed well on demographic parameters.

The BJD president urged Mohan Majhi to take a firm stand and raise the issue strongly, stating that future generations would not forgive inaction. He also called for convening a special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly within 48 hours to pass a resolution ensuring that “not even 0.001%” of the state’s political rights are compromised.

Patnaik reiterated support for women’s reservation in legislatures but stressed that Odisha’s rights must remain intact in any national reform. He assured that the Biju Janata Dal would stand with the state government in safeguarding Odisha’s interests.

The letter signals a growing political pushback against the proposed delimitation exercise, setting the stage for a larger debate on representation and federal balance in India.