Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has started meeting representatives of women's self-help groups, organised under the Mission Shakti (women empowerment), to win their support ahead of the general election next year.

Mission Shakti has over 50 lakh women members through 4.5 lakh self-help groups. "They make up a significant vote bank, which the chief minister is cleverly cultivating," said a BJD leader. The government provides loans to the SHGs at 1 per cent interest. The government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the purpose.

Since it is not possible on part of the chief minister to personally meet all 50 lakh members, he is interacting with their block-level leaders.

The move follows Naveen's meetings with farmers in batches over the past few weeks.

At these interactions, Naveen has been telling them about his government's success stories and initiatives for the overall welfare of women.

Naveen on Tuesday met 50 women from Mayurbhanj district.

"He is meeting the members of Mission Shakti on Tuesdays. So far, he has met groups from Hinjili, Sergada, Purushottampur, Berhampur and Chattarpur at Naveen Nivas," an official said.

He said the women, who were selected to meet Naveen, were block-level leaders of the mission. "The women who excel at the block level are taken to him so that they can tell him about their problems and the chief minister can inform them about his government's initiatives."

Sources said Naveen had stressed on the need to ensure proper marketing of various products of the SHGs and providing credit linkage to them.

"He listened to the issues raised by us and asked us many questions related to women empowerment," said a woman from Mayubhanj.

Women from Morada, Baripada, Rasgovindpur and Suliapda in Mayurbhanj district met the chief minister on Monday.

Officials also arrange awareness camps to sensitise them on issues related to women.