Bhubaneswar, June 9: The Jatani unit of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a campaign advocating women's rights, demanding 33 percent reservation for women, enhanced safety measures, and greater representation in employment and politics.

Under the leadership of Jatani MLA Bibhuti Bhushan Balabantaray, a massive women's rally and padayatra was organized in Malipur Panchayat near Khurda on Monday. Thousands of women participated in the march through villages in the Niali area, highlighting issues related to women's empowerment and security.

Following the Padayatra, a public meeting was held in which BJD Youth President Chinmaya Sahu, BJD's women wing Secretary Sumitra Jena, BMC corporator MahaMaya Swain, Debasmita Dash-Mona, BJD youth secretary Anant Satapathy, Smruti Ranjan Patnaik, Ashutosh PratapSingh, Saroj Behera, Bijay Das, and several other party leaders took part.

Addressing the gathering, BJD leaders strongly criticized the BJP government, alleging that it has failed to safeguard women's interests during its two-year tenure. Maha Maya Swain claimed that women have been neglected under the current administration and that the state government has failed to ensure a safe and peaceful environment.

BJD Youth President Chinmaya Sahu also accused the BJP government of failing on multiple fronts, including governance, administration, and law and order. He asserted that the people of Odisha have lost confidence in the ruling dispensation.

Speaking at the event, MLA Bibhuti Bhushan Balabantaray said the people of Odisha once again want a government led by Naveen Patnaik, citing the former Chief Minister's record of governance over the past 24 years. He expressed confidence that the BJD would return to power in the next election.

Several local BJD leaders, including Khurdha Zilla Parisada Members, Sarpanches, Samiti Members, and grassroots representatives, participated in the meeting and criticized the BJP government over women's safety and security concerns.

Balabantaray said the campaign for women's rights would continue across the Jatani constituency, with the party intensifying its demand for greater protection, empowerment, and representation of women.