BJD Engages in Talks to Address Internal Discontent over Waqf Bill Reversal
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Synopsis
On April 8, significant meetings took place within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to address internal disputes following the party's controversial U-turn on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Senior leaders met with President Naveen Patnaik to discuss organizational matters, while younger members sought decisive action against indiscipline within the party.
Key Takeaways
- BJD leaders met to discuss internal unrest.
- Organizational elections were a key topic during discussions.
- Young leaders demanded action against indiscipline.
- Concerns arose over the party's stance on the Waqf Bill.
- Minority community leaders sought accountability for the Bill's support.
Bhubaneswar, April 8 (NationPress) In the midst of significant internal conflict within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following the party's reversal on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, key party figures convened on Tuesday at the residence of BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to reportedly address the ongoing turmoil.
Sources indicated that senior leaders engaged in discussions regarding the unrest surrounding the Waqf bill. However, party officials refuted these claims.
“Today we met our esteemed Party President Naveen Patnaik to discuss organizational matters. Currently, our party is undergoing organizational elections. We addressed issues concerning the election of the party president and district-level presidents with Naveen Patnaik,” stated senior BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo regarding the significant meeting with the party leader.
Moreover, Sahoo subtly implied that the discussions encompassed various organizational topics.
He also affirmed that BJD possesses the capability to tackle any challenges it encounters.
Other party members echoed similar sentiments, reiterating that the discussions during this pivotal meeting were strictly confined to organizational matters.
In a notable turn of events, several young BJD leaders reportedly held a separate meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on the existing crisis within the party.
Sources revealed that in a letter to party president Patnaik, young BJD leaders called for decisive measures against indiscipline within the party. They urged Patnaik to eliminate any mixed signals to grassroots workers by showing support for any national party, as it undermines morale.
They collectively expressed their unwavering support for the party leader in implementing measures to bolster the party.
Sources also mentioned that the young leaders might soon meet with the party president.
The internal discord within the BJD intensified on Monday as leaders engaged in a heated exchange concerning former bureaucrat and ex-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's close aide, V.K. Pandian, and the sudden decision allowing MPs to vote on the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha based on their conscience.
Leaders from minority communities, led by BJD MP Muzibulla Khan, met with Naveen Patnaik on Monday to demand action against Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, who initially announced the party's change in stance regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Patra also voted in favor of the Bill and later disclosed this to the media, igniting further internal discord within the regional party.
During their meeting with Patnaik, minority community members also requested the suspension of Patra from the party for supporting the Waqf Bill, which deviated from the party’s original position.
