BJD's Surprising Shift on Waqf Bill Sparks Controversy Among Leaders

BJD Leaders Voice Concerns Over Party's Stance

Bhubaneswar: A faction of senior leaders from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) convened on Friday to express their discontent regarding the party's unexpected reversal on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. They plan to address their concerns with party president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Following a lengthy debate exceeding 13 hours, the Rajya Sabha approved the controversial legislation. Key BJD figures, including deputy leader in the Odisha Assembly Prasanna Acharya, former ministers Bhupinder Singh and Ashok Panda, and ex-MP Chandrasekar Sahoo, gathered at Sankha Bhawan, the party's state headquarters, to deliberate on the party's shift in position regarding the Waqf Bill.

Notably, just a day prior to the voting in the Rajya Sabha, the BJD had publicly declared its intention to oppose the Bill.

Sasmit Patra, BJD's Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson, confirmed his support for the Waqf Bill, stating that the party had not issued any directive on the matter.

However, Patra admitted he was uncertain if the other six BJD MPs also supported the Bill. The party holds seven seats in the Rajya Sabha but has no representation in the Lok Sabha.

"I cannot comment on others. I voted in favor of the Bill," Patra remarked.

After their meeting, Acharya stated, "We discussed various issues, including the BJD's change of stance. We are unclear about the reasons behind this shift. The BJD Parliamentary Party, chaired by Patnaik, had previously resolved to oppose the Waqf Bill. We will bring this matter to the attention of the BJD chief."

The Opposition Congress party sharply criticized the BJD, accusing it of betraying its commitments to the Muslim community by supporting the Bill.

"The BJD Parliamentary Party had decided to oppose the Bill. We were also informed that the party would abstain from voting in the Rajya Sabha. The sudden change in the BJD's position has damaged the reputation of Naveen Patnaik and the party," stated OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das.

"The BJD has strayed from the secular principles championed by late Biju Patnaik, and Naveen Babu has claimed to uphold these values. Now, they appear to have capitulated to the BJP, effectively aligning themselves with saffron ideologies. I wouldn't be surprised if the BJD eventually merges with the BJP due to this ideological shift," the state Congress chief added.

On Thursday, Patra had posted on X, stating, "The Biju Janata Dal has consistently upheld the values of secularism and inclusivity, safeguarding the rights of all communities. We respect the diverse opinions expressed by various Minority communities regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024."

"Our party, after careful consideration of these perspectives, has empowered our esteemed Rajya Sabha members to act according to their conscience in the interest of justice, harmony, and the rights of all communities, should the Bill be put to a vote. There is no party whip on this matter," the post concluded.