The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has criticized the BJP-led Odisha government for allegedly attempting to erase the history of the Mission Shakti initiative by taking down details about former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from the program’s official website.
During a press conference at the BJD headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, prominent female leaders from the party, including Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, Rajya Sabha member Sulata Deo, former minister Tukuni Sahu, and former Odisha State Women’s Commission chairperson Lopamudra Buxipatra, claimed that this action demonstrated the state government’s “insecurity” and “inferiority complex,” rather than confidence in its leadership.
The BJD leaders argued that the removal of Patnaik’s image and information from the Mission Shakti portal was an effort to rewrite history and diminish the contributions of countless women involved in this significant program. They stated, “A government that is capable of creating history preserves it, while one that cannot, seeks to erase it. It is truly unfortunate that the current administration is making such desperate attempts instead of focusing on progress.”
They emphasized that Mission Shakti represents not merely a party initiative but a movement driven by women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and grassroots activists under Patnaik’s guidance. Any effort to erase this history, they insisted, disrespects the contributions of women in Odisha. The BJD maintained that every elected government is a constitutional entity, and its achievements are a part of the state’s institutional history. The leaders reaffirmed that Patnaik was the democratically elected chief minister and that Mission Shakti was a key program of his administration. They argued that while governments may change, the essence of governance endures. They pointed out that government departments and official platforms belong to the people, not to any political party.
The BJD asserted that no modification to a website could erase the legacy of Mission Shakti, which has empowered millions of women towards economic independence, dignity, and social upliftment, establishing it as a vital chapter in Odisha’s developmental narrative.
They posed a critical question regarding the state government’s motivations, asking, “Why is the government so fearful? If a legacy continues to inspire people today, then the removal of an image only highlights the enduring strength and relevance of Naveen Patnaik’s legacy in the hearts and minds of the public.”
