Bhubaneswar: Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday hit back at leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik over his apprehension that Odisha’s interests could be compromised by the proposed delimitation exercise and women’s reservation move.The rebuttal came on a day Naveen urged MPs from Odisha, cutting across party lines, to raise the issue inside and outside Parliament to safeguard the state’s “rightful place” in the Union amid the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats. Naveen wrote to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, seeking a special assembly session on the issue.Speaking to mediapersons, Harichandan said it “does not behove a senior leader like Naveen Patnaik” to create confusion over what he described as a historic reform. “While he cannot oppose women’s reservation directly, he is trying to create indirect contradictions. This mentality should be avoided,” the minister said.He said the initiative of the Union government would “alter the course of history” by giving women priority and respect in governance. Harichandan said uniform-sized and smaller constituencies would make it easier for elected representatives to reach out to people and serve them better, strengthening democracy. “Seeking a special session and creating confusion amounts to an indirect protest. A leader of Naveen babu’s stature should avoid such controversy,” he said, adding that whoever advised him on the issue was “wrong”.Revenue minister Pujari, speaking separately, said Naveen was reacting even before a clear plan was made public. “He is speculating about what might be done,” Pujari said, alleging that the former CM was being influenced by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.On Naveen’s concern that Odisha’s interests could be hampered, Pujari said any decision taken by Parliament would be acceptable to all. “It is not about gain or loss for any individual state. No state will lose; the country will benefit,” Pujari said.Pujari also pointed out that the BJD supported the women’s reservation Bill when it was passed in 2023, fully aware that delimitation would be required. “Naveen babu changes his position from time to time,” he said.In an open letter to Odisha MPs, Naveen appealed to them “to stand united in protecting the interests of our state while continuing to support genuine and equitable reforms.” He said BJD will take it to the people of Odisha if the legitimate concerns are not addressed, Naveen wrote.While stating that he wholeheartedly supports women’s empowerment and greater representation of women in legislative bodies, Naveen said the proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill raised concerns beyond its stated objective. He flagged possible political implications due to a relative reduction in Odisha’s representation in the Lok Sabha, along with emotional, cultural and economic concerns.Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam wrote a letter to CM Majhi flagging possible dilution of Odisha’s political rights, urging him to “take a firm and uncompromising stand.”
