Naveen Patnaik Urges MPs to Oppose 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, has called on the state's MPs to oppose the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, warning that it could significantly reduce Odisha's representation in the Lok Sabha. He emphasized the importance of unity among parliamentarians to protect the state's interests and highlighted the potential negative impact on various sectors, including disaster management and tribal welfare. Additionally, Patnaik reaffirmed the BJD's support for women's reservation in legislative bodies, linking it to his family's legacy of promoting women's empowerment. This article delves into Patnaik's concerns and his call for action.
| Apr 16, 2026, 17:12 IST
Call to Action Against the 131st Constitutional Amendment
Former Chief Minister of Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik has called on the state's parliamentarians to oppose the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill both inside and outside of Parliament. He expressed concerns that states with population control measures would be adversely affected. In a post on X, Patnaik highlighted that the bill could harm the interests of Odisha, predicting a decrease in the state's Lok Sabha seats from 3.9% to 3.4%, which he described as a significant loss.
Naveen Patnaik urged all MPs from Odisha, regardless of their political affiliations, to raise their voices against the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, emphasizing that it could undermine the dignity, representation, and long-term interests of the state. He called for unity in protecting Odisha's interests and supporting genuine and fair reforms.
He further stated that if the bill is enacted, Odisha would rank among the top six states losing seats in the Lok Sabha, with a reduction from 3.9% to 3.4% representation. Losing 0.5% of seats is a substantial setback given the current representation. A relative decrease in Odisha's voice in the Lok Sabha would weaken the state's ability to advocate for specific needs, ranging from disaster management to tribal welfare and regional development. This issue transcends politics; it is about preserving the federal spirit enshrined in our Constitution.
Additionally, Patnaik clarified that the BJD fully supports the 106th Constitutional Amendment Bill concerning women's reservation. He described his family's relentless efforts to promote women's reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions. The BJD is committed to the principle of women's empowerment and increased representation in legislative bodies. The idea of reserving seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies is both progressive and necessary. I have personally supported this, as did my late father, Biju Patnaik, who initiated women's reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions, and I have continued this effort with your support. The Biju Janata Dal has wholeheartedly endorsed the 106th Constitutional Amendment Bill regarding women's reservation (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).