Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik addressed the Odisha Assembly, expressing concern over the Keonjhar incident tarnishing the state’s reputation nationally and internationally. Patnaik highlighted the incident involving a woman’s skeleton being exhumed to claim her dues, emphasizing the lack of sensitivity and accountability in the state administration.
Patnaik criticized the government for the apathy displayed in handling the case, citing reports by international media outlets like the New York Post and BBC. He condemned the state of governance, pointing out the failure to uphold women’s dignity and empowerment, as highlighted by a travel advisory issued by the United States cautioning against visiting Odisha.
The LoP underscored the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) commitment to women’s reservation and criticized the BJP government’s approach to the Women’s Reservation Bill. Patnaik emphasized Odisha’s history of promoting women’s representation in local bodies and criticized the BJP for linking the bill to delimitation, calling it a move to push through changes without proper discussion.
