The Congress has launched a strong attack on the Odisha BJP government, accusing it of misusing the Subhadra Yojana to influence voters ahead of the crucial Nuapada by-election. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) spokesperson Sonali Sahu alleged that the state administration was manipulating welfare schemes for political gain while ignoring the welfare of genuine beneficiaries.

Sahu singled out Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, accusing her of violating the model code of conduct by organizing Subhadra Shakti Sammelans under the guise of promoting women’s empowerment. “Around 20,000 girl students in Nuapada district have been arbitrarily removed from the Subhadra Yojana. The government claims to empower women, but its actions show otherwise,” Sahu said. She contended that the state’s claims of inclusive development stand exposed by the exclusion of thousands of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries from scholarship lists.

The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP had a pattern of exploiting social schemes during election campaigns. Drawing a comparison with Assam, Sahu said, “Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promised Rs 50,000 to women during the election, but once in power, that was reduced to Rs 5,000 installments — even those payments remain uncertain. Odisha seems to be following the same playbook.”

Also Read: BJP Leader RK Singh Urges Voters to Reject Criminal Candidates in Bihar Polls

Sahu also criticized the state government for providing far less monetary support to women compared to other states. Citing figures, she said women in Delhi receive Rs 2,500 per month, while those in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra receive between Rs 1,250 and Rs 3,300. “Odisha gives only Rs 833 per month under its welfare programs. Are women here worth less than elsewhere in India?” she asked. The Congress contends that financial neglect and selective exclusion have deepened discontent among rural women and young students.

Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has intensified its booth-level campaign in Nuapada. Senior BJD leaders addressed public meetings in Jhanjimunda, Jamdhara, and Teleijhar villages under Kotenchhua panchayat, urging voters to back the party in the upcoming bypoll. With polling day approaching, Nuapada is set to witness an increasingly fierce political battle as parties trade charges over governance, welfare delivery, and women’s empowerment.

Also Read: 90,000 Anganwadi Workers to Verify Burqa-Clad Voters in Bihar Elections