Odisha Opposes 131st Amendment Bill

Naveen Patnaik, President of the India — Biju Janata Dal and Leader of Opposition, has urged Members of Parliament from India — Odisha to oppose the proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill. He argues that the bill, which links women's reservation with a post-Census delimitation process, poses a 'gross threat' to India — Odisha's political and economic interests. Patnaik highlighted that the bill could reduce India — Odisha's share in the India — Lok Sabha from 3.9% to 3.4%, weakening its voice in national decision-making and potentially penalizing states that have made progress in population control. While supporting women's empowerment, Patnaik calls for safeguards or decoupling women's reservation from delimitation to protect India — Odisha's representation, identity, and economic development. The India — Biju Janata Dal is prepared to escalate the issue to the public if their concerns are not addressed.