Is BJD trying to hijack BJP’s ambitious programme Subhadra Yojana in Odisha?

At a time when the newly formed BJP government’s flagship programme Subhadra Yojana has gained massive popularity among the women of Odisha, several instances including the assault on an Anganwadi worker for organising a rally to sensitise people about the scheme have raised eyebrows with questions being asked whether BJD is trying to hijack the scheme to safeguard its women vote bank.

Take this instance of Baliapatna in Balasore where Urmila Samal, an Anaganwadi worker from Sinla village, was tied to a tree and assaulted by a BJD-supported sarpanch for organising 'Subhadra Swagat Padayatra'.

Later, Samal was admitted to a hospital. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida spoke to her and assured her of stringent action against the assailant. 

“The sarpanch belongs to BJD. He hurled foul language and attacked me. He said you cannot do anything here may it be Subhadra Yojana,” Samal, the victim alleged.

Commenting on the development, Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke, Balasore Sub-Collector, said, “Necessary action will be taken against the persons who are involved in the incident. Besides, we also take steps to ensure women's security so that incidents of such won’t repeat in the future.”

Similarly, while a huge rush was spotted at various Jana Seva Kendras across Odisha with applicants making a beeline to apply for the Subhadra Yojana, a Mo Seva Kendra at Unit-9 in Bhubaneswar has registered a mere 200 applicants so far.

As per the allegation of local women, the aforesaid Mo Seva Kendra is run by a BJD supporter. While Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s photo has found the centre stage at the Mo Seba Kendra, posters related to Subhadra Yojana have managed to find a mere corner.

Moreover, the women also alleged that every time they visited the Mo Seva Kendra for Subhadra Yojana registration they returned empty-handed as the owner came up with an excuse that the server was down. However, he was doing it for the women supporters of BJD. 

“The Mo Seva Kendra owner is working for BJD. Many of us are yet to register for the Subhadra Yojana,” alleged a local.
Responding to the allegations, an operator of the Mo Seva Kendra said, “I have already informed about the server issue to the concerned authorities. I have done around 200 registrations and the allegations made against me are baseless.”

Meanwhile, Odisha Deputy CM Parida has taken the matters seriously and said the Subhadra Yojana aims at empowering women irrespective of the party. However, several people with ill intentions are acting in such a manner.

“Cutting across the party line, the scheme was launched to empower women. If someone is getting hurt, and causing inconvenience, then the government will come up with exemplary action. There is ill-intention as people are being targeted for attending Subhadra rally,” Parida said.

On the other hand, BJD clarified that the conch party never tried to hijack the scheme. 

“BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is still there in the hearts of the women of the State. The scheme has nothing to do with the votes. The allegations by the deputy CM are not true,” said Sambit Routray, BJD leader.