BJD's Shift in Position on Waqf (Amendment) Bill Ignites Controversy in Odisha
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Synopsis
The BJD's unexpected change of position on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has led to intense political discussions in Odisha. The Congress party alleges that the BJD and BJP alliance remains firm, despite claims of opposition. This situation has raised questions about the BJD's commitment to its secular values and the integrity of its parliamentary decisions.
Key Takeaways
- BJD's last-minute change of stance on the Waqf Bill.
- Congress alleges ongoing BJD-BJP alliance.
- Sasmit Patra allows MPs to vote based on conscience.
- Opposition within BJD highlighted by Munna Khan.
- Parliament passes the contentious Waqf Bill, 2025.
Bhubaneswar, April 4 (NationPress) The Biju Janata Dal's shift in position regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at the eleventh hour has ignited a fervent political discussion in Odisha. The state's Congress faction has claimed that 'the alliance between BJD and BJP remains solid'.
The BJD holds seven seats in the Rajya Sabha but has no representation in the Lok Sabha.
Previously, the BJD had expressed intentions to oppose the Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
However, just hours ahead of the voting on the Bill in the upper chamber of Parliament, Rajya Sabha MP and the party's National Spokesperson, Sasmit Patra, announced that BJD MPs were free to vote on the Bill according to their conscience.
“We hold great respect for the varied sentiments shared by different groups within minority communities concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. After careful consideration of these perspectives, our Party has empowered our Rajya Sabha Members to act in accordance with their conscience in the pursuit of justice, harmony, and the rights of all communities, should the Bill come to a vote. No Party Whip is in place,” he stated on his X account on Thursday.
Later, while addressing reporters, Patra confirmed that he had voted in favor of the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
In contrast, senior party member and Rajya Sabha MP Munna Khan openly opposed the Bill during the Rajya Sabha session.
The Congress opposition criticized the BJD for its abrupt change in position regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Friday.
“The BJD MPs were compelled to vote on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill based on their inner conscience - their most senior leader, Sasmit Patra, voted in favor of the government. The alliance between BJD and BJP is still intact. They cannot deceive the people of Odisha by pretending to be at odds. Congress remains the sole alternative in Odisha,” claimed the Odisha Congress on its X platform.
Following the debacle, senior party leader Prasanna Acharya mentioned that a decision had been made to oppose the Bill during the parliamentary party meeting.
“As far as I know and based on the information provided by the MPs, the parliamentary party meeting aimed to oppose the Bill... the BJD has always been a secular party. However, I learned today that there was no party whip, leading to some voting in favor while others opposed the Bill. We will soon consult our party President, and the details regarding this sudden change will be confirmed after discussions with him,” Acharya stated.
It is noteworthy that Parliament approved the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following its passage in the Rajya Sabha early Friday. The Lok Sabha had earlier endorsed the Bill on Thursday after nearly 12 hours of debate, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against.
