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In a significant political shift, Sunita Biswal, the daughter of former Odisha CM Hemananda Biswal, joined Congress on Thursday, a day after resigning from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Also Read: Former CM Hemananda Biswal’s daughter Sunita resigns from BJD
The Sundargarh leader accused the BJD of promoting a false narrative of ‘women empowerment’ and ‘honour to women’ while systematically sidelining female voices.
According to sources, in a political move, Sunita has quit the BJD and joined the Indian National Congress (INC), Odisha unit. Her resignation comes with serious allegations against BJD’s internal functioning, particularly regarding its treatment of women.
Sunita accused the Opposition party of projecting a misleading image of women. “BJD's ‘Mahila Samman’ is purely superficial. The party merely showcases women at the forefront while actual decisions and operations are run by others behind the scenes,” she said in a press meet held earlier today.
She further alleged that women are included in committees and forums only for show, with no real influence or participation in the decision-making process. “Even capable women leaders are denied opportunities,” she expressed.
To support her claim, Sunita cited the example of Arati Devi, a former sarpanch from Ganjam district. “Despite being the youngest sarpanch, Arati was overlooked and ultimately had to leave the party due to lack of opportunity,” Sunita stated.
She also said that many within the BJD are dissatisfied but remain silent out of fear. “Several members have left quietly, and those still inside the party are too afraid to speak out,” she claimed.
The BJD, in response to her accusations, issued a brief statement defending its record on women’s representation and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“A chief minister obviously has organisation throughout the state. However, it is being seen that she (Sunita) does not have her organisation in her own district (Sundargarh). It is not appropriate to blame different party leaderships without having organisational expertise. Had she been having a strong organisation, as the daughter of a former chief minister, she certainly would have won the election,” BJD’s Pramila Mallik said.
