Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday strongly responded to concerns raised by BJD President Naveen Patnaik over the proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, terming them “misleading” and “fear-inducing”.
In a lengthy post on X, Pradhan said the apprehensions expressed by the opposition leader regarding the impact of the bill on Odisha’s political and economic interests were unfounded and did not reflect the stature of an experienced leader.
He rejected claims that the proposed delimitation process would reduce Odisha’s representation in the Lok Sabha, asserting that there was “no question” of any decline. Referring to figures cited by Patnaik, Pradhan said such projections were incorrect and could create unnecessary panic among the public.
The Union minister urged people to place trust in the Constitution and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He noted that the home minister had already assured Parliament that the rights of any state would not be compromised under the proposed changes.
Pradhan also highlighted that Odisha’s representation is expected to increase in the future and said clarity would emerge at the appropriate time. He cautioned against spreading what he described as false and misleading information that could alarm citizens.
Referring to the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, Pradhan said it was encouraging that Patnaik and his party had supported the legislation. He described the amendment bill as a historic step aimed at empowering women across the country.
The Union minister further stressed the need to prioritise national development over political differences, calling for a balanced approach that upholds constitutional values while focusing on the country’s broader interests.
The exchange marks a fresh political face-off in Odisha over the implications of the proposed constitutional changes and the future delimitation process.
