Mission Shakti Protests Rock Odisha Assembly: BJD Blames BJP, Ruling Party Fires Back

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Bhubaneswar: The opposition BJD accused the BJP-led government of ignoring their complaints over salary delays, while the Odisha Assembly saw high drama on Tuesday as demonstrations by Mission Shakti women workers dominated debates. The BJP responded to the charges by emphasising its initiatives for women's emancipation. 

Concerned About Salary, Women Take to the Streets 

Citing non-payment of salary, thousands of women involved in the Mission Shakti program, including MBK (Mission Shakti Block Coordinators), Bank Mitra, Krishi Mitra, and Prani Mitra, protested in Bhubaneswar. For their involvement in the state-run program, the ladies requested permanent work status and prompt assistance. 
BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallick urged for the Assembly's current session to give the women's protests top priority and expressed sympathy with them. 
It is impossible to overlook these women's demonstrations. 

Mallick called on the ruling BJP to take immediate action, saying, "The Assembly must address their problems on a priority basis, ensuring the payment of pending salaries and granting them permanent status." 

BJP's Confidence in the Face of Chaos 

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida responded by assuring the Assembly that the government had previously examined the concerns during Monday's session and was aware of them. 

Women don't have to go out on the streets. The government is dedicated to addressing their problems and making sure they are well. "Let us avoid disseminating false information or causing needless anxiety," Parida said, urging composure. 

Her promise, however, was insufficient to calm the restless Opposition, and the Assembly fell into anarchy. (BJD and Congress members disrupted proceedings, shouting slogans and demanding immediate action on the women’s grievances. 

Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP Over Alleged Conspiracy 

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of deliberately neglecting the Mission Shakti workers. 

“This is an attack on women’s livelihoods and dignity. As a party that has always championed the Mission Shakti movement, the BJD strongly condemns these actions,” Patnaik asserted. 

Patnaik emphasised the BJD's longstanding dedication to the welfare of women by pointing out that the Mission Shakti scheme has empowered over 70 lakh women throughout Odisha. 

The BJP Responds with Subhadra Yojana Accomplishments 

The BJP retaliated by calling the BJD's accusations unfounded and charging them with ignoring the welfare of women throughout their 24 years in power in Odisha. 

“BJD has done little for women’s empowerment in the state. In contrast, the BJP government has taken concrete steps, such as the Subhadra Yojana, which directly transferred funds to the bank accounts of over 80 lakh women. Let Naveen Patnaik answer what his government has done for women,” said BJP leader Tankadhar Tripathy.

Protests Interrupt Assembly Procedures 

Mission Shakti employees' demonstrations caused chaos in the Assembly in addition to spilling onto the streets of Bhubaneswar. While screaming slogans and calling for government accountability, opposition members halted the proceedings. The chaos persisted despite the speaker's continuous attempts to bring order back, necessitating many adjournments. 

Mission Shakti: An Important Odisha Women's Movement 

One of the main pillars of Odisha's social welfare programs has been Mission Shakti, a flagship project that uses self-help groups to empower women. Its execution, however, has been clouded by recent claims of poor management and neglect, which have drawn condemnation from both the government and opposition parties. 

What's Next? 

The future of Mission Shakti ladies is still up in the air as the demonstrations get more intense and political blame games get more intense. The main question as the Assembly prepares for further discussions is whether the administration can provide a workable answer to satisfy the expectations of the workers and win back public trust in this historic project. 
For the time being, the women of Mission Shakti are still fighting for justice, asking for respect and acknowledgement for their contributions to the socioeconomic fabric of Odisha in addition to compensation.