Opposition Chief Whip and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pramila Mallik indirectly acknowledged that a shift in support from women voters contributed to the party’s defeat in the 2024 Odisha elections.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day event in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, in the presence of party president Naveen Patnaik, Mallik reflected on the electoral setback.
She emphasized Naveen Patnaik’s contributions to women’s empowerment and expressed disappointment over why women seemed to forget this legacy during the elections. Mallik suggested that financial incentives, allegedly ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, may have influenced voters. “How could we forget everything for a mere 5,000 or 10,000 rupees?” she questioned.
Mallik encouraged BJD members to focus on unity and development, highlighting the need to rebuild the party’s support among women voters, a crucial part of the party’s traditional base.
