Bhubanswar: In a major development ahead of the 2019 elections, Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal has made leadership changes in its frontal women’s wing naming noted social activist Dr. Minati Behera as the new president of the unit, while the outgoing president Pramila Mallik has been given the role of advisor.
Prior to this appointment, Behera served as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Mallik is now named as Vice-President of State BJD Party. Jyoti Panigrahi and Kasturi Mohapatra have been appointed as co-advisors of Biju Mahila Janata Dal.
Shreemayee Sweta Snigdha Mishra, Gitarani Bastia, Sulochana Das and Lopamudra Baxipatra have been appointed as Working Presidents of the women’s wing of the party.
Sulata Deo and Elina Dash have been appointed as General Secretary and Secretary of the BJD Mahila Dal.
BJD Supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the new appointments on Sunday, sources said.
Earlier, Lopamudra Baxipatra and Dr Minati Behera had resigned from their post as chairperson of State Commission for Women (SCW) and the commissioner of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) respectively earlier in the day.