TV
Once a core support base, the women voters shifted allegiance and withdrew their support, for which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lost the 2024 election battle, indirectly admitted Opposition chief whip and senior party leader Pramila Mallik.
While addressing an event to commemorate International Women’s Day in Bhubaneswar, Pramila Mallik suggested that the party's loss in the 2024 elections was influenced by a shift in support from female voters. She spoke on the matter in the presence of the party president Naveen Patnaik during the event on Saturday.
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Financial Motivations Alleged
Her statements signalled a perception of disappointment from the female demographic in the recent electoral process.
According to Pramila Mallik, Naveen Patnaik's role in women's empowerment has been significant, and they have not forgotten it. However, she questioned why women seemed to forget this during the elections.
She further raised concerns, asking why the women voters got influenced by offers of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 and whether they would overcome their disappointment moving forward.
"How could we forget everything for a mere 5,000 or 10,000 rupees?" Mallick asked, hinting at financial factors that may have swayed the women voters' allegiance.
Looking Ahead
Mallick urged party members to move beyond such issues and focus on future unity and development. Her candid observations brought to light the party's challenges in retaining their female vote bank, a critical component of the BJD's support structure.
