The senior BJP chief’s remarks got here in response to Patnaik’s assertion that Odisha’s share in Parliament may drop if the Structure (131st Modification) Invoice was handed within the Lok Sabha. Pradhan asserted that, quite the opposite, the state’s illustration would see a marginal improve—from 3.87 per cent to three.91 per cent—if delimitation is carried out.

He additional stated the variety of Lok Sabha seats from Odisha is projected to rise from the present 21 to 32, strengthening the state’s voice on the nationwide stage. Referring to discussions in Parliament, Pradhan cited Union dwelling minister Amit Shah as having indicated an general improve in illustration for states. He additionally linked the event to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, beneath which enhanced illustration would translate into larger alternatives for ladies, together with from Odisha.

Pradhan emphasised that any growth in seats would bolster Odisha’s function in nationwide decision-making and urged political leaders to depend on “fact-based discourse” reasonably than “deceptive narratives.”

Responding, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty accused Pradhan of misrepresenting info and stated legislative assurances should be mirrored explicitly within the invoice. He argued that verbal statements made throughout parliamentary debates can not substitute for written provisions, and questioned why the proposed improve in Odisha’s Lok Sabha seats was not specified within the laws. Mohanty maintained that due parliamentary course of should be adopted and cautioned towards drawing conclusions with out concrete authorized backing.