BJP vs BJD: A Clash Over Women's Empowerment in Odisha
Political Showdown in Odisha
Cuttack/Jajpur: On Friday, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organized separate public gatherings, each asserting their commitment to women's issues in the state.
The BJD accused the BJP of 'betraying' women by failing to fulfill pre-election promises ahead of the 2024 elections. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi defended the BJP's stance, stating that 'respecting women is a core principle of our political training.'
The BJD's event, titled 'Mahila Jana Jagaran,' took place in Jajpur, led by senior party figure Pramila Mallik. She, along with party vice president Debi Prasad Mishra, criticized the BJP government for allegedly deceiving women.
Mishra pointed out that while the BJP had pledged to provide Rs 50,000 to each woman over two years, they are now only disbursing Rs 10,000 in two installments annually, questioning how a woman could start a business with just Rs 5,000.
In Cuttack, Majhi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, attended the 'Nari Shakti Samabesh' and launched a strong critique against the previous BJD administration.
Majhi emphasized that the BJP's commitment to women's respect is foundational, highlighting that shortly after taking office on June 12 last year, his government initiated four significant measures, including the Subhadra Yojana aimed at empowering women.
He stated, 'The primary aim of the Nari Shakti Samabesh is to uplift and empower the women of Odisha, who are the state's greatest asset.' Majhi claimed that the Subhadra Yojana is the largest women's welfare initiative in Odisha, designed to financially empower women by reaching out to every village and family, including those in remote tribal regions.
The Chief Minister also mentioned efforts to enhance women's economic status through Self Help Groups (SHGs), noting that these groups have received Rs 3,695 crore for business ventures and Rs 300 crore in interest refunds. He proudly announced that Odisha has produced over 16 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis.'
While honoring some of these Lakhpati Didis at the event, Majhi set a goal to create one crore such women in the coming years, asserting that the budget for women and children has seen significant increases. He revealed that Rs 89,861 crore has been allocated in the 2025-26 budget for women-centric initiatives like the Chief Minister's Sampurna Pushti Yojana (MSPY).
'Odisha stands as a model for women's empowerment and will inspire other states,' he declared.
Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida remarked that the BJP's organization of the 'Nari Shakti Samabesh' on the first day of its second year in office symbolizes a commitment to women's respect and a progressive Odisha.
Mallik countered by alleging that the BJP has let women down, stating that beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana receive only Rs 27 per day. 'How can Rs 27 a day support women?' she questioned, labeling it a 'complete betrayal' after the BJP secured their votes.
BJD leaders further claimed that women and girls face safety issues in Odisha, citing reports of sexual assaults. Mallik called for the reinstatement of Mahila and Sishu Desks in all police stations, which previously aided victims of sexual abuse, and announced a seven-point proposal unanimously adopted by women at the meeting.
The BJD also accused the BJP government of undermining the economic independence of 70 lakh women in the state, failing to control essential goods prices, and not maintaining Odia pride or supporting farmers in paddy procurement.
The BJD meeting concluded with a political resolution advocating for the implementation of 33 percent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections for the 2029 polls, as per the Nari Shakti Bandhan Act passed by Parliament.