The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha criticized the BJP government for allegedly trying to erase the legacy of Mission Shakti, a women’s empowerment program initiated during the previous BJD administration. Senior BJD leaders claimed that removing former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s photo and details from the official website reflected the government’s insecurity rather than confidence in its governance.
According to the BJD leaders, the deletion of Patnaik’s information from the Mission Shakti portal was seen as an effort to rewrite history and diminish the role of numerous women involved in the program. They emphasized that Mission Shakti was not just a party initiative but a movement led by women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and grassroots workers under Patnaik’s guidance.
The BJD leaders highlighted that Naveen Patnaik, as the democratically elected Chief Minister, played a crucial role in the success of Mission Shakti, which was a significant project during his tenure. They argued that while governments may change, the essence of governance remains constant, and official platforms belong to the people, not any specific political party.
The regional party asserted that attempts to alter a website could not erase the program’s impact, as Mission Shakti had empowered numerous women economically and socially, leaving a lasting mark on Odisha’s development history. They questioned the government’s motives behind removing Patnaik’s image, suggesting that his legacy continues to inspire people, making the attempt futile and symbolic of his enduring influence.
