Odisha: BJD Leaders Clash Over U-Turn on Waqf Bill
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Internal discord within the Biju Janata Dal continues as party members clash over VK Pandian's influence on the controversial Waqf Bill. Senior leaders express discontent over the abrupt change in stance, leading to a public war of words and accusations among party ranks.
Key Takeaways
- BJD internal conflict escalates over Waqf Bill.
- VK Pandian's role questioned by party leaders.
- Samantaray criticizes Pandian's influence.
- Support for Pandian from other BJD MPs.
- Calls for accountability within BJD.
Bhubaneswar, April 7 (NationPress) The internal discord within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) continues to escalate as party members on Monday engaged in a verbal clash regarding the unexpected role of VK Pandian, a close aide to former bureaucrat and ex-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, in the party's decision to permit its MPs to vote on the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha based on their individual conscience.
Originally, the BJD had declared its opposition to the Bill (now an Act following Presidential assent), but later reversed its position, igniting internal turmoil within the party.
Numerous senior leaders voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the abrupt change in the party's stance concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
On Monday, prominent party figure and Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray spearheaded the criticism against Pandian, directly attributing the shift in BJD's position on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha to him.
BJD MP Samantaray notably missed the vote on the controversial bill, reportedly due to confusion surrounding the party's stance.
When speaking to reporters, he claimed that Pandian remains influential with BJD president Naveen Patnaik, making important decisions affecting the party.
Samantaray further stated that the former bureaucrat has single-handedly undermined the regional party in Odisha.
Meanwhile, other BJD MPs, including Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Subhasish Khuntia, and Niranjan Bishi, publicly supported Pandian and criticized Samantaray.
“It's quite unfortunate to witness my colleague Debasish Samantaray attacking V.K. Pandian regarding the Waqf Bill decision, considering that Pandian retired from politics 10 months ago and is no longer involved in any meetings or political activities,” Mangaraj posted on his X handle on Monday.
He emphasized that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is the party's leader and makes all final decisions concerning party matters.
“We have a leader, Naveen Patnaik, who is our party President and makes the ultimate decisions on all matters. If we have any concerns, it's always best to discuss them within party forums. Many senior leaders have done just that in recent days. Instead of following this route, Samantaray chose to go to the media and speak against someone who is no longer part of party politics, revealing a potential ulterior motive fueled by vested interests,” Mangaraj added.
Rajya Sabha MP Salata Deo accused Samantaray of intentionally targeting Pandian, who had previously compelled her to apologize for inappropriate behavior towards a relative of an Odia soldier who died in the Pulwama attack in 2019.
She also alleged that Samantaray fell asleep and failed to participate in the vote on the Waqf Bill, blaming others to cover up his own negligence.
Deo further accused Samantaray of causing a disturbance at Naveen Niwas.
It is noteworthy that earlier in the day, BJD MP Muzibulla Khan, who vocally opposed the bill in parliament, launched a fierce attack on senior leader Sasmit Patra for supporting the controversial legislation.
Khan and his supporters met with the party leader and demanded accountability for those responsible for the BJD's reversal on the Waqf Bill. His supporters and party workers from the minority community raised slogans against Pandian before Patnaik at Naveen Niwas.
