“Naveen Patnaik Fears Losing Women Vote Bank,” Says Odisha BJP Amid Face-Off Over Subhadra Yojana

Bhubaneswar: Odisha BJP on Wednesday lashed out at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik over his ‘lies’ remark pertaining to Subhadra Yojana scheduled to be implemented by the saffron party this month.

State BJP spokesperson Urmila Mohapatra said, “It is astonishing to witness the concern of Naveen Babu for women after 24 years. Today, when Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government is all set to launch Subhadra Yojana, are the remarks of BJD president appropriate.”

Earlier in the day, Naveen said that BJP lied to the people of Odisha over “Subhadra Yojana and free electricity promises in its manifesto”.

Reacting to the remarks, Mohapatra said BJD was apprehensive of losing women vote bank for which BJD president was casting aspersions of the scheme meant for women empowerment.

“The BJD is anguished over its loss in the elections and is now consoling the women leaders with such uncalled for remarks,” Mohapatra added.

The state BJP spokesperson further stated that during BJD regime “violence against women crossed all limits Odisha”. “Commissions were formed to probe crime against women, but these efforts were futile and failed to get justice,” she said.

According to Mohapatra, Subhadra Yojana is a well planned scheme which will bring cheer for women of the state and empower them holistically.

“The main goal of BJP is to involve women in the mainstream of progress, ensure dignity of women, and create opportunities for them,” she concluded.