BJD Faces Internal Turmoil Over Waqf Bill: Calls for Action Against Sasmit Patra
BJD's Internal Conflict Over Waqf Bill
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is currently grappling with internal discord following its fluctuating stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Senior party members have voiced their concerns, demanding decisive action against Sasmit Patra for allegedly sowing confusion among lawmakers prior to the vote on the Bill.
Prominent BJD figures, including Prafulla Samal and Pratap Jena, have reached out to party leader Naveen Patnaik, urging him to take measures against Patra for contradicting the party's position by supporting the Waqf Bill. Ganeswar Behera, the MLA representing the Muslim-majority Kendrapara constituency, also criticized Patra, questioning his authority to override the party president's directive. He stated, “Patra has made a significant error that warrants disciplinary action. Only the BJD president can alter the Parliamentary Party's decisions.”
In their correspondence to Patnaik, both Samal and Jena emphasized the BJD's commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of minority groups, including Muslims. Jena expressed his discontent with Patra's actions, labeling them as ‘anti-party’ and ‘surprising.’ He remarked that Patra's recent social media activity reflects a mindset that diverges from the BJD's core values, and he called for a comprehensive investigation into the situation.
Jena insisted, “We need to uncover who is orchestrating this situation, and those responsible must be held accountable,” while advocating for disciplinary measures against Patra. Former minister and BJD MLA Badri Narayan Patra remarked, “This predicament stems from intentional mischief. How could Sasmit Patra challenge the BJD president's decision and publicly announce a change in stance? He has jeopardized the party's integrity, necessitating action.”
A senior BJD member, speaking anonymously, expressed concern that leaders from constituencies with significant Muslim populations are anxious about the party's shift in position regarding the Bill. “Muslims, who make up over 2.17% of the state's population, have historically supported the BJD. This situation may lead them to reconsider their political allegiance, potentially shifting to the Congress party. The current circumstances have sent a negative signal to the Muslim community,” he noted.
While a group of senior BJD leaders met with Patnaik to discuss the issue on Friday, the party president has yet to comment on the ongoing political turmoil. Patra was unavailable for comment as he is currently in Tashkent from April 5 to 9, participating in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). In response to these developments, Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal stated, “These recent events suggest that Patnaik has lost control over his party's MPs.”
He added that Patnaik was unable to enforce a party whip due to a lack of authority within the party. Addressing allegations of a ‘deal’ between the BJD and BJP concerning the Waqf Bill, Samal asserted, “We do not engage in deals. The nation comes first for us. The concerns of impoverished Muslims have led to support for the Bill. The seven BJD MPs are divided into three groups: those who supported the Bill, those who opposed it, and those who abstained from voting. There is no consensus within the BJD.”