Bhubaneswar, April 17 -- Senior political leader Shreemayee Mishra on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), alleging persistent neglect of women within the party. Her remarks came on the death anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

Taking to social media, Mishra, the former general secretary of the BJD, criticised the conch party for failing to uphold the ideals and principles of Biju Patnaik, particularly in terms of empowering women leaders. She alleged that women who have followed Biju's ideology continue to be sidelined within the party.

Questioning the party's leadership structure, Mishra asked whether no woman in the BJD was considered competent enough to hold the position of party preside...