BJD holds discussion to resolve internal rift over 'U-turn' on Waqf Bill

IANS April 8, 2025 184 views

The Biju Janata Dal is experiencing significant internal tensions following its controversial stance on the Waqf Bill. Senior party leaders, including young members, met with party president Naveen Patnaik to discuss and potentially resolve the ongoing crisis. The meeting comes after heated debates over Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra's voting behavior and the party's sudden change in position. Despite publicly maintaining a united front, the party is clearly wrestling with internal disagreements that could impact its political standing.

"Our party's organisational election is going on currently" - Arun Kumar Sahoo, BJD MLA
Bhubaneswar, April 8: Amidst the fierce internal strife in Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following the party’s U-turn on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, senior party leaders on Tuesday met BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the latter’s residence reportedly to resolve the crisis.

Key Points

1

Senior BJD leaders meet Patnaik to discuss internal party tensions

2

Young leaders demand action against potential indiscipline

3

Controversy erupts over Waqf Bill voting stance

4

Minority community leaders seek action against Sasmit Patra

Sources said that senior leaders brainstormed on the ongoing unrest inside the party over the Waqf bill. However, the party leaders denied it.

“Today we met our honorable Party President Naveen Patnaik and had discussions on the party's organisational matters. Our party’s organisational election is going on currently. Matters related to the election of the party president and the presidents at the district level were discussed with Naveen Patnaik,” said senior BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo on the crucial meeting of senior leaders with party supremo.

However, Sahoo, in a veiled reference, has also clarified that the leaders held discussions on organisational matters that covered everything.

He also clarified that BJD is capable enough to resolve any problem faced by the party.

Other party leaders also reiterated the same saying that the discussions during the crucial meeting on Tuesday strictly revolved around the party's organisational matters.

In another significant development, several young BJD leaders have reportedly held discussions over the ongoing crisis in the party during a separate meeting on Tuesday.

Sources claimed that in a letter addressed to party president Patnaik, the young BJD leaders demanded strong action against any indiscipline within the party. They urged Patnaik to stop the spread of any confusing signals to the party workers at the grassroots by supporting any national party, as it demoralises the workers.

They said that all the young leaders in unison conveyed their total support to the party supremo for taking all possible measures to strengthen the party.

Sources added that the young leaders may meet the party president soon.

The internal unrest in the BJD escalated on Monday with the leaders engaging in an intense war of words over former bureaucrat and ex-Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's close aide, V.K. Pandian’s role in the unexpected and sudden change of decision of the party allowing its MPs to vote on the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Rajya Sabha according to their conscience.

The leaders from minority communities under the leadership of BJD MP Muzibulla Khan on Monday met Naveen Patnaik and demanded action against Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra, who first made the announcement regarding the change of stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Patra also voted in support of the Bill and later revealed the same before the media persons, causing internal turmoil in the regional party.

The minority community members, during their meeting with Patnaik, also demanded the suspension of Patra from the party for supporting the Waqf Bill, deviating from the party’s decision.

Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
Interesting to see how BJD is handling this internal conflict. Naveen Patnaik has always been a strong leader, but this Waqf Bill situation seems to have really shaken things up. Hope they resolve it soon for Odisha's stability 🤞
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Rahul K.
The young leaders demanding discipline is a positive sign! Parties need fresh voices to stay relevant. Though I wonder if this "organizational matters" explanation is just damage control...
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Sunita P.
As a longtime BJD supporter, I'm disappointed with this flip-flop on the Waqf Bill. Consistency matters in politics. The leadership needs to be more transparent about their decisions.
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Amit G.
The minority community's reaction shows how sensitive this issue is. Political parties should think twice before making sudden U-turns on such matters. Hope lessons are learned from this episode.
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Meena S.
Internal democracy is good, but public infighting damages credibility. BJD was known for its discipline - hope they regain that soon! 🙏
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Kiran D.
While I respect BJD's past work, this incident shows they need better communication channels between leadership and MPs. Clearer guidelines could prevent such controversies in future.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
BJD Naveen Patnaik Waqf Bill Odisha Politics Party Internal Conflict V.K. Pandian Sasmit Patra
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