Bhubaneswar: The one-day special assembly session on women’s participation in democracy will be held on Thursday amid tight security, with the ruling BJP pitching it as a push for greater women’s empowerment, even as opposition BJD and Congress dismissed it as “political propaganda” they plan to counter.Parliamentary affairs minister Mukesh Mahaling met governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at Lok Bhavan and briefed him on the agenda on Wednesday. The BJP described the session as a step to strengthen women’s role in governance and decision-making. “It will enhance women’s participation in democracy,” Mahaling said.According to a govt statement, the minister also apprised the governor of key discussion points for the House. The governor welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that deliberations would be “meaningful and result-oriented”.Opposition BJD and Congress, however, criticised the move. Deputy leader of opposition Prasanna Acharya alleged the session was aimed at “misleading” people over the women’s reservation issue, calling it a “seminar-like discussion” without pressing legislative business. There may not be a similar example of assembly being convened for such a purpose, he said.He cited example of a how a dead tribal woman in Keonjhar faced the inhuman act of being dug from burial ground because of the govt system. Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam said the govt move would further expose the BJP.The session will be held amid tight security, with around 70 platoons of police to be deployed in and around the assembly. Traffic diversions will be in place on key routes via Keshari Talkies, Jaydev Bhawan, IG Park Road and Power House Square.
