Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA and former Odisha minister Arun Sahoo criticized the Centre for its approach to the Women’s Reservation Bill, calling the legislative proceedings a “political drama” aimed at blaming the Opposition. Sahoo expressed his view that the BJP-led government moved the bill despite lacking sufficient numbers in the Lok Sabha. He accused the government of trying to portray the Opposition as “anti-women” through this action.
Questioning the need to reintroduce the bill, Sahoo highlighted that the Women’s Reservation Act had already been passed by both Houses in September 2023. He pointed out that the implementation of the Act was tied to delimitation and a proposed increase in parliamentary seats. Sahoo referred to the current efforts as a “gimmick” and a “fiasco,” criticizing the lack of consultation with Opposition parties or constitutional experts before bringing the matter to the floor.
Expressing concerns about regional representation, Sahoo cautioned that the proposed implementation based on seat delimitation could adversely affect Southern states. He raised the issue of potential repercussions on states that had taken measures to control population growth, suggesting that increasing seats in certain states could lead to a dangerous division between North and South regions.
In a significant development, a Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated. Despite this setback, the ruling dispensation affirmed its commitment to continue the fight for women’s rights. Sahoo criticized the Union government for allegedly neglecting Odisha, despite the state contributing 20 MPs to the BJP’s mandate.
Referring to BJD president Naveen Patnaik’s call for prioritizing Odisha’s welfare, Sahoo emphasized the importance of working across party lines for the state’s interests. He underscored the BJD’s focus on Odisha’s cause over formal alliances, welcoming all those willing to support the state’s true spirit.
