Naveen Warns Odisha Could Turn Politically Insignificant, Seeks Swift Action from CM Majhi on Delimitation Bill

Bhubaneswar: Sounding a stark warning that Odisha risks being reduced to political insignificance, BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging immediate intervention against the proposed Delimitation Bill and flagging serious concerns over the state’s future political representation.

In his letter, Naveen cautioned that the proposed delimitation exercise could significantly weaken Odisha’s political voice. While the state’s Lok Sabha representation may increase from 21 to 29 seats, its overall share would drop from 3.9% to 3.4%, effectively reducing its national influence. He warned that Odisha could face nearly a 15% loss in proportional representation, making it one of the worst-affected states.

He asserted that the Biju Janata Dal would welcome the Delimitation Bill only if Odisha’s political rights remain fully protected. “This is not just an issue of numbers. The bill strikes at the very spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution. Any reduction in political rights will severely undermine the aspirations of the people of Odisha,” he said.

Invoking the state’s rich historical and cultural legacy, Patnaik recalled the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936, as India’s first linguistic state, an achievement born out of decades of struggle and sacrifice. He highlighted Odisha’s contributions to the freedom movement, paying tribute to leaders like Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, Gopabandhu Das, and young martyr Baji Rout.

Emphasizing the enduring strength of Jagannath Culture, he noted that Odisha continues to contribute significantly to India’s unity and growth—through its natural resources, industrial support, and globally recognised disaster management model.

Calling the potential loss of representation a “grave injustice” to 4.5 crore Odias, LoP Naveen stressed that the issue goes beyond arithmetic and directly impacts the state’s role in national decision-making. He also reiterated support for the Women’s Reservation Bill, highlighting the legacy of Biju Patnaik and Odisha’s leadership in ensuring 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Urging urgent action, Naveen appealed to the Chief Minister to take up the matter strongly with the Centre and convene a special session of the Assembly within 48 hours to pass a resolution safeguarding Odisha’s political rights.

Future generations will not forgive us if we sit quietly while Odisha gets reduced to a politically insignificant state, he said, assuring full support from the Biju Janata Dal in protecting the state’s interests.