Naveen Patnaik opposes delimitation exercise

New Delhi: BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has opposed the proposed delimitation exercise while backing women's quota, aligning with several Opposition parties. He also urged Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to take a strong stand against the Centre's legislative package, warning that it may dilute Odisha's political voice.

Referring to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, the former Odisha CM said the proposed expansion of Lok Sabha seats may increase Odisha's representation from 21 to 29 MPs, but would reduce its overall share from about 3.9% to 3.4%. Patnaik argued this would amount to nearly a 15% decline in relative representation, despite the state's progress in population control and human development.