Waqf Bill Fallout: Naveen Patnaik Promises Probe as BJD Faces Inner Turmoil

By
thenews21bureau
-
43
337

Bhubaneswar:Amid rising internal dissent in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), party chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said he will review the circumstances under which BJD MPs voted differently on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The legislation, now enacted, has exposed cracks within a party long known for its discipline and centralised control.

The storm comes in the wake of widespread criticism over the BJD’s unclear stand on the Bill. What particularly shocked many within the party was the absence of a Whip in the Rajya Sabha, leading MPs to vote as per their individual choice—a rare move for a party that once prided itself on tight coordination.

Senior BJD MP Muzibulla Khan, who voted against the Bill, openly expressed his disappointment. “I was stunned by the party’s sudden shift, especially after Patnaik had repeatedly expressed opposition to the Bill,” Khan said. He, along with a delegation of Muslim community members, met Patnaik at his residence seeking clarity. After the meeting, Khan didn’t mince words—he dared those who supported the Bill to “leave the BJD and join the BJP.”

Naveen Patnaik, attempting to calm tensions, defended the party’s secular foundations. “We have always stood by minorities and will continue to do so. I will review what happened in Parliament and take necessary steps,” he assured. Patnaik also reminded critics that BJD had once severed ties with the BJP over the 2008 anti-Christian riots, underlining its commitment to minority rights.

However, the political fallout isn’t limited to Parliament. The episode has intensified calls for the ouster of Patnaik’s close aide V.K. Pandian, with protesters gathering outside his residence. Pandian, who has been seen as a key decision-maker in the party’s recent political strategies, is being blamed for the Assembly election loss and the party’s wavering stance on the Waqf Bill.

Adding fuel to the fire, senior MP Debasish Samantray abstained from voting, citing a social media post by BJD’s Rajya Sabha leader Sasmit Patra that said there would be no Whip issued. Without naming names, Samantray subtly pinned responsibility for the recent debacles on Pandian.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

43 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here