Bhubneshwar, Sept 22: In a historic and groundbreaking development, Pramila Mallik, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has been elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. This remarkable achievement makes her the first woman to hold this prestigious position, marking a significant stride in gender equality and women’s empowerment in politics.
Setting the Stage for Women’s Empowerment: BJD’s Remarkable Achievements
The BJD, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has consistently championed women’s empowerment and gender equality, setting remarkable milestones along the way:
- Highest Number of Women MPs by a Political Party: BJD
The BJD has earned distinction by having the highest number of women Members of Parliament (MPs) among political parties. This achievement underscores the party’s unwavering commitment to promoting women in politics.
- State with the Highest Representation of Women in Parliament: Odisha
Odisha boasts the highest representation of women in parliament among all states, reflecting the state’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive political landscape.
- First Party to Implement 33 Percent Reservation for Women in Lok Sabha: BJD (2019)
The BJD made history by becoming the first political party to implement a 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha. This groundbreaking move significantly enhanced women’s participation at the national level.
- First Party to Enact 50 Percent Reservation for Women in Local Elected Bodies: BJD, Led by Naveen Patnaik
Under the visionary leadership of Naveen Patnaik, the BJD introduced 50 percent reservation for women in local elected bodies. This bold step has transformed grassroots politics by ensuring greater representation for women.
- First Party to Appoint Over 70 Percent Women as Zila Parishad Presidents: BJD
The BJD has demonstrated its commitment to gender equality by appointing more than 70 percent women as Zila Parishad (district council) presidents within the party. This move has empowered women to lead at the local level.
- Smt. Pramila Bisoyi: The Eldest MP from BJD
Smt. Pramila Bisoyi, a prominent figure within the BJD, holds the distinction of being the eldest MP from the party. Her dedication and contributions to politics serve as an inspiration for aspiring leaders.
- Chandrani Murmu: The Youngest MP from BJD
Chandrani Murmu made history by becoming the youngest MP from the BJD at the age of 25 in 2019. Her remarkable achievement exemplifies the party’s commitment to nurturing young talent in politics.
Pramila Mallik’s Landmark Election as Speaker
On a historic day for women’s representation in politics, Pramila Mallik was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Speaker in-charge Rajanikant Singh officially announced her election as the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Assembly during a special session convened before the Monsoon Session of the House.
The opposition parties, BJP and Congress, chose not to field any candidates for the Speaker’s election, further underscoring the significance of this milestone. Leader of the House and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik moved a motion to install Mallik as the Speaker, a motion seconded by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Niranjan Pujari.
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In a momentous ceremony, Chief Minister Patnaik, Opposition BJP Chief Whip Mohan Majhi, Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra, and other senior members accompanied Mallik as she assumed her role as the Speaker of the House.
In her maiden speech in the Assembly, Mallik expressed her gratitude to all members and appealed for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of proceedings. She pledged her commitment to uphold the dignity of the House, setting a positive tone for her tenure.
Chief Minister Patnaik lauded Mallik’s historic election as the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Assembly. He expressed his unwavering confidence in her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the Speaker’s role, emphasizing her extensive experience as a lawmaker, minister, and government chief whip.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mallik. He expressed his hope that she would carry out her duties impartially and provide protection to opposition members, given the “brute” majority of the ruling party in the House. Mishra recalled his acquaintance with Mallik since 1990, highlighting her past roles as a minister and government chief whip. He stressed the importance of her impartiality as Speaker.
BJP Chief Whip Mohan Majhi expressed immense pride in Mallik’s historic appointment as the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, lauding her remarkable achievement.
Pramila Mallik’s Political Journey
Pramila Mallik’s political journey began in 1990 when she made her debut in the Odisha Legislative Assembly as a Janata Dal MLA representing Binjharpur. She later joined the BJD and secured victory in the assembly elections for five consecutive terms starting from 2000.
During her illustrious career, Mallik served as the Minister for Women and Child Development from 2004 to 2011. She also held the position of government chief whip for three years, from May 30, 2019, to June 6, 2022. Her extensive experience in various roles prepared her for the responsibilities of the Speaker’s position.
As a testament to the BJD’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, Mallik’s election as the Speaker serves as a historic moment in Odisha’s political landscape. The party, under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, has consistently championed women’s participation in politics, and Mallik’s appointment reinforces this commitment.
Naveen Patnaik’s leadership and the BJD’s pioneering efforts in promoting women in politics have yielded remarkable achievements. From the highest number of women MPs to implementing gender quotas and empowering women leaders at various levels of government, the BJD’s legacy of women empowerment continues to evolve.
Pramila Mallik’s groundbreaking election as the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Assembly signifies a monumental step forward in ensuring equal representation and opportunities for women in politics. This historic moment reaffirms Naveen Patnaik’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse political landscape, setting a shining example for the nation.
