BHUBANESWAR: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday asserted that Odisha’s representation in the Lok Sabha would only increase after the proposed delimitation, dismissing concerns over any possible loss of seats in proportion to total strength after the exercise. Responding to apprehensions raised by former chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan said claims that Odisha’s political and economic interests would be harmed if the delimitation bill is passed were “completely misleading”. In a social media post, he said people must have faith in the Constitution and the country’s leadership. “The home minister has categorically stated in Parliament that no state’s rights will be compromised, and Odisha’s rightful share will not be excluded,” Pradhan wrote. Rejecting Naveen’s claim that Odisha’s representation would fall from 3.9% to 3.4% after delimitation, Pradhan said the figures had “no basis in truth”. “It is not appropriate to frighten the people of the state with false and misleading information. Odisha’s representation is certain to increase; there is no question of it decreasing,” he said, adding that everything would become clear in due course. He also said Odisha had always remained a priority and described the amendment as a historic step to empower women across the country. “This bill is not just for Odisha but for the entire nation,” he added. Pradhan urged leaders not to turn the issue into a controversy and to prioritize the country’s overall development by placing national interest above political gains and upholding the dignity of the Constitution. Earlier in the day, Naveen accused the BJP-led Odisha government of remaining a “mute spectator” to the proposed delimitation exercise and being willing to compromise the state’s political interests to safeguard the BJP’s agenda. Speaking on the death anniversary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik virtually, Naveen said a united fight to protect Odisha’s rights would be the biggest tribute to Biju Babu. While reiterating BJD’s support for the Women’s Reservation Bill, he said the delimitation bill had raised serious concerns over Odisha’s political identity. “Odia self-respect is in danger today. The time has come for everyone to fight together for our beloved Odisha,” Naveen said, reiterating that the proposed exercise could reduce the state’s proportionate representation in the Lok Sabha. “Is this Odia asmita?” he asked. Hitting back, Pradhan accused Naveen of misleading the people of Odisha and reiterated that the state’s political and economic interests would not be compromised under delimitation.
