Bhubaneswar, 08 March (H.S.): On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on Sunday launched a sharp criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, accusing it of failing women across the State.

Patnaik alleged that the BJP-led administration has “completely failed at the ground level,” pointing to a rising number of atrocities against women and a lack of responsiveness from authorities. He emphasized that women play a central role in every sphere—from family and society to the nation and the global stage—and no society can progress without their active participation.

Recalling the legacy of Biju Patnaik, Naveen highlighted that the late leader had long recognized the importance of women’s empowerment. He said that the historic focus on empowering women in Odisha began during Biju Patnaik’s tenure, inspiring the BJD to introduce several initiatives supporting mothers and integrating women into the State’s development mainstream.

“Our dear leader Biju Babu had understood this well. The BJD-led government took many historic steps for women’s empowerment. During the BJP Government's tenure, however, atrocities against women have continued to rise unchecked. No one listens. It is a total failure of leadership at the government level,” Naveen Patnaik stated.

He called for renewed focus and stronger measures to ensure the safety, rights, and empowerment of women across Odisha, stressing that meaningful societal progress is impossible without prioritizing women’s welfare and participation.

This critique comes amid broader discussions on women’s rights and empowerment in Odisha, coinciding with the observance of International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging and strengthening women’s contributions to society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda