Odisha’s ruling party Biju Janata Dal (BJD), during the winter session of Parliament, has announced the introduction of the Constitutional Amendment Bill for the formation of a Legislative Council in Odisha.
BJD parliamentary party leader Pinaki Mishra stated that Odisha’s ruling party has placed the demand at an all-party meeting convened by the Centre in New Delhi ahead of the winter session of Parliament. The seats, in the proposed Legislative Council, will be reserved for women and people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.
However, BJP & Congress, the two opposition parties attacked the decision claiming that this move is aimed at shifting and shuffling party leaders. Odisha BJP President and Lok Sabha member Basant Panda said instead of focusing on developmental issues, the BJD is seeking the establishment of a Legislative Council as it wants to rehabilitate its leaders. Furthermore, the Congress and its leaders have alleged that the council is being formed to meet BJD’s political agenda and that it has no other value addition for the state of Odisha.
Last year, the regional party had passed a resolution in the state legislature regarding the formation of the Vidhan Parishad. Notably, the Legislative Council would help Naveen Patnaik led BJD government to place smaller leaders and potential candidates to participate in the state council.