Pramila Malik, a respected member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party, has etched her name in history as the first woman Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Her unopposed election to this esteemed position came about following the resignation of Bikram Keshari Arukha in May 2023.
Pramila Malik boasts a remarkable political career, having served as an MLA from the Binjharpur assembly seat in Odisha’s Jajpur district for six consecutive terms. Notably, this seat is designated for the Scheduled Caste community. She embarked on her political journey in 1990 as a member of the Janata Dal and later aligned herself with the BJD party, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Before assuming her role as the Speaker, Pramila Malik held the significant position of Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management in the BJD government.
Pramila Malik’s ascendancy to the position of Speaker in the Odisha Assembly adds another chapter to the annals of Indian women who have shattered glass ceilings in politics. It stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of gender inclusivity and leadership in the country.