Bhubaneswar: A stormy session unfolded in the Odisha Assembly as Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a sharp attack on the state government, highlighting a shocking incident where a woman’s skeletal remains had to be exhumed and presented to a bank to prove her death.

Raising the issue during a special session convened to discuss the Constitutional Amendment Bill (131st Amendment), Patnaik said the incident reflected “complete administrative apathy and insensitivity” towards women. According to him, despite repeated requests by the deceased woman’s brother, officials allegedly refused to process bank formalities without proof of death, forcing the family to take the extreme step of carrying her skeletal remains to the bank.

Opposition targets Govt over women’s safety and dignity

“This is a matter of shame for Odisha. It exposes the lack of accountability and the state of women’s dignity today,” he said, adding that the incident has drawn international attention and damaged the state’s image.

The BJD leader also criticised the government over women’s safety and empowerment, alleging that governance has been reduced to “narratives and optics” rather than real action.

Shifting focus to the legislative agenda, Patnaik reiterated his party’s support for the Women’s Reservation Bill, which was passed unanimously in Parliament in 2023. He demanded its immediate implementation, arguing that linking it with the proposed delimitation exercise was “a clandestine move” that could undermine Odisha’s political representation.

Highlighting his party’s track record, he noted that Odisha was among the first states to introduce 33% reservation for women in local bodies under former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, which was later increased to 50% during his tenure. He also pointed out that the BJD had fielded 33% women candidates in Lok Sabha elections.

Patnaik warned against supporting delimitation without broader discussion, stating that it could affect the state’s political voice and future representation. “History will not forgive us if we compromise on Odisha’s rights,” he said.
The remarks triggered a heated political exchange in the House, with the opposition demanding accountability from the government while reaffirming its stance on women’s empowerment and legislative priorities.