Odisha: Escalating Discord within BJD due to Waqf Act Issue
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Synopsis
The discord within BJD intensifies as leaders express dissatisfaction over the party's reversal on the Waqf Act. Veteran leader Ranendra Pratap Swain urges a reaffirmation of the party's commitment to social justice and secularism.
Key Takeaways
- BJD faces internal discord over Waqf Act.
- Ranendra Pratap Swain calls for reaffirmation of core values.
- Concerns raised about representation of SC/ST and minorities.
- Party leadership urged to maintain social justice ideals.
- Internal strife triggered by recent voting decisions.
Bhubaneswar, April 14 (NationPress) The ongoing discord within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) shows no signs of resolution as party leaders continue to voice their dissatisfaction regarding the party’s reversal on the debated Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The seasoned BJD figure Ranendra Pratap Swain, who has been elected eight times from the Athagarh assembly constituency in Cuttack, has added his voice to the list of discontented leaders, publicly airing his grievances over the party’s inconsistency on the disputed Waqf Act during the Rajya Sabha voting and issues surrounding the party's organizational structure.
In a recent correspondence addressed to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, the veteran politician remarked that the current turmoil over the Waqf Act has raised significant doubts regarding the party’s position on secularism.
Swain pointed out that the core principles of the BJD - social justice and secularism - are being challenged in unprecedented ways amid the ongoing disputes among party leaders.
“The recent dissatisfaction among party members concerning the Waqf Bill (now an Act) controversy has raised crucial questions about our commitment to secularism. In this regard, I earnestly urge that the party must reaffirm its dedication to both social justice and secularism as its fundamental tenets and ensure the confidence of the cadre moving forward,” Swain wrote.
Amidst the ongoing organizational elections within the party, Swain also appealed to Patnaik to guarantee fair representation from all regions and communities, including SC/ST, OBC, minorities, etc., within the party structure.
He accused certain individuals of attempting to seize control of the party, disrupt the social fabric, or exacerbate regional disparities.
“As the supreme leader of our party, you must ensure fair representation for all regions and communities, particularly SCs-STs, OBCs, minorities, and women, in accordance with their population proportions, not only at the state apex level but also across districts and block levels within our party framework. We must not allow a few individuals to hijack the party, distort the social fabric, or amplify regional inequalities. Only then can our party organization genuinely uphold the ideals of social justice and regional equity,” stated the senior BJD leader.
In his letter, he emphasized that the late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, built his politics on the foundation of social justice, with secularism and regional pride as its natural extensions.
He asserted that these values have been maintained under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik as well.
“Sir, this is a crucial moment to reclaim our ideological heritage and reaffirm our identity as a party anchored in social justice—with secularism and regional dignity as its cornerstones,” urged Swain.
It is noteworthy that the BJD had previously announced its opposition to the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha. However, later, senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra declared that the party had not issued any directive and MPs were free to vote on the Bill according to their conscience. This statement has upset many party leaders, sparking intense internal strife over the past few days.
