Appeal Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi ji take up the issue of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026 strongly as it will take the voice of #Odisha and redistribute in other states. This will be a huge blow to the aspirations of 4.5 Cr Odias and a grave injustice to our future generation.
The Delimitation Bill, 2026 seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 members. Currently, Odisha has 21 MPs, about 3.9% of the total. If the amendment passes, Odisha’s representation will rise to 29, but its proportion will fall to 3.4%. Odisha, which has been a frontrunner in moderating population growth and nurturing human capital, faces a potential 15% loss in political representation nationally.
We welcome the Women’s Reservation Bill. Biju Babu was a strong votary of women’s empowerment, pioneering reservation in legislative bodies and entrusting power to women. Biju Janata Dal Odisha has always championed women’s representation, ensuring their presence in Parliament and State Assemblies. Odisha implemented 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, and we actively support national legislation for women’s empowerment.
We will welcome the Delimitation Bill only if Odisha’s political right remains intact. This is not just an issue of numbers. The Bill hits directly at the spirit of Cooperative Federalism enshrined in the Constitution. Any reduction in political rights will undermine the aspirations of Odisha and its people.
Request Hon’ble Chief Minister to convene a special session of Assembly in the next 48 hours to pass a resolution that not even 0.001% of political rights of Odisha be allowed to be taken away by other states. Appeal you as an Odia to take up the issue strongly and Biju Janata Dal will stand with you on this as it affects the fate and future of our beloved state and motherland.
Here is the letter by Former CM Naveen Patnaik to CM Mohan Majhi:—
Dear Mohan Babu,
Odisha was officially formed as a separate province on April 1, 1936, becoming the first State in India to be created on a linguistic basis, uniting Odia-speaking people under one banner. This milestone was the fruit of decades of struggle by visionary leaders and common people who fought against the fragmentation of Odia identity. They gave their sweat and blood, making immense sacrifices to ensure that Odia culture would never fade. Their relentless striving carved a province out of hope, gifting us a land united in language and spirit.
Odisha played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. From the earliest uprising—the Paika Rebellion of 1817—to the Quit India Movement of 1942, leaders like Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, and Gopabandhu Das made immense contributions to the cause of liberty. The youngest patriot of India, Baji Rout, sacrificed his life at the tender age of 12, becoming an eternal symbol of courage. Their unparalleled devotion continues to inspire generations. Odisha’s soil is sanctified by sacrifice, nurturing countless heroes who contributed greatly to nation-building.
Jagannath Culture has always strengthened India’s syncretic and inclusive tradition, giving moral and spiritual strength to the very idea of India. It embodies equality, fraternity, and compassion—values that remain the foundation of our Republic.
Modern India draws strength from Odisha’s courage, culture, and compassion. Its minerals power India’s industries, its ports connect India to the world, its coal contributes to national energy sufficiency, and its resilience in the face of natural disasters inspires the nation. Odisha is not only a land of centuries of heritage but also a rising modern pillar of progress.
Yet, today we are at crossroads. The proposed Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026—the Delimitation Bill—seeks to change the composition of the House of the People, increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 members. Currently, Odisha has 21 MPs, about 3.9% of the total. If the amendment is passed, Odisha’s representation will rise to 29, but its proportion will fall to 3.4%. Odisha, which has been a frontrunner in moderating population growth and nurturing human capital, faces a potential 15% loss in political representation nationally. Our political voice and influence will be taken away to be redistributed in other states. Reports suggest that Odisha will be the fourth biggest loser in this whole exercise. This will be a huge blow to the aspirations of 4.5 crore Odias and a grave injustice to our future generations.
We welcome the Women’s Reservation Bill. Biju Babu was a strong votary of women’s empowerment, pioneering reservation in legislative bodies and entrusting power to women. The Biju Janata Dal has always championed women’s representation, ensuring their presence in Parliament and state assemblies. Odisha implemented 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, and we actively support national legislation for women’s empowerment.
We will welcome the Delimitation Bill only if Odisha’s political rights remain intact. This is not just an issue of numbers. The bill hits directly at the spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution. Any reduction in political rights will undermine the aspirations of Odisha and its people.
I appeal to you as the Chief Minister of Odisha to take up this issue strongly. You have the moral and legitimate power to do so. Future generations will not forgive us if we sit quietly while Odisha gets reduced to a politically insignificant state.
Seeing the urgency of the matter, I request that a special session of the Assembly be convened within the next 48 hours to pass a resolution that not even 0.001% of political rights of Odisha be allowed to be taken away by other states.
I appeal to you as an Odia to take up this issue strongly. BJD will stand with you on this as it affects the fate and future of our beloved State and motherland Odisha.
With Regards,
Yours Sincerely
(NAVEEN PATNAIK)
