Bhubaneswar: In a strong and fiery speech during the special session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a scathing attack on the opposition parties, accusing them of having an “anti-women” attitude.
The Chief Minister strongly criticised the opposition for their stand on the Women’s Reservation Bill. He said women are the foundation of society and asserted that the Bill will enable women to become real policymakers rather than remaining mere participants.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not see women as mere ‘cooperators’ (sahayogi) but as ‘sarathi’ (charioteers or leaders). In the coming days, women will enter the Assembly not at anyone’s mercy, but on their own strength and merit,” Majhi said.
He accused the opposition of proving themselves “anti-women” by opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill. The Chief Minister said the opposition’s actions clearly show their double standards on women’s empowerment.
Taking a dig at the previous BJD government’s 24-year rule, Mohan Majhi raised several sensitive issues and alleged that justice was denied to victims in high-profile cases involving women, including Bebina, Kunduli, Itishree Pradhan, Pari, and Mamita Meher. He criticised the opposition for allegedly providing protection to criminals and failing to ensure the safety of women.
Majhi also targeted the previous government over issues like the Mahanadi water dispute, the Dana Majhi incident, the Kalinga Nagar firing, and the chit fund scam.
Highlighting his government’s performance, the Chief Minister said the current dispensation is taking much stricter action against crimes and violence against women compared to the previous regime. “The conviction rate in cases of crimes against women has increased to 41 percent under our government,” he stated.
