Internal 'discontent' surfaces in BJD over shift on Waqf Amendment Bill stand

The rift seems to be gradually widening with the BJD rank and file denouncing the change of party’s stand which has put its secular credentials at stake. However, Acharya defended the party’s stand, saying there might have been a change in the decision regarding the Bill, but the BJD continues to uphold its secular credentials.

He further explained, "Ours is a secular party, maintaining equal distance from both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). As a regional party, BJD supports or opposes any issue based on the interests of Odisha."

Bhupinder Singh, also a former Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, acknowledged the discontent within the party over the Waqf Bill issue.

"There is discontent within the party, and we must accept it. However, our leader, Naveen Patnaik, is capable of handling the situation. This is just a temporary phase,”" Singh said, adding that Patnaik has always promoted communal harmony without religious discrimination.

The controversy began after Sasmit Patra, BJD’s leader in the Rajya Sabha, posted a message stating that party members were free to vote on the Waqf Bill based on their conscience. This statement contradicted the party’s earlier decision, where the parliamentary party had resolved to oppose the Bill. Acharya admitted that there has been widespread discussion within the party about who changed BJD’s stance and whether an "external force" is influencing the decision.

https://twitter.com/sasmitpatra/status/1907772496310579445

"Who is the force working for and against the party? All leaders are united in their view that such decisions should be made within the party forum, like the Parliamentary Party. The party will face problems if decisions are made by external forces," he said.

Acharya expressed confidence that Patra was not the person who altered the party’s stance on the Waqf Bill.

"Let Patra return from his foreign tour. He has no authority to make such decisions. He should be following directions from someone. Everything will be clear once he speaks out about who directed him to change the party’s decision," Acharya added.

He said discussions are ongoing within the party to identify those who might be operating behind the scenes, influencing critical decisions without the leadership’s knowledge.

Meanwhile, veteran Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition, Narasingha Mishra, alleged that someone else is making decisions for the BJD while Patnaik is effectively in "house arrest."

Mishra claimed, "He is being controlled from behind the scenes by his chief advisor. This is not the first time he has been put in such a position."

He also alleged a possible "deal" between the BJP and the BJD, suggesting it could explain the party’s shift in stance on the Waqf Bill. Adding to the controversy, BJP MP Balabhadra Majhi predicted the eventual collapse of the BJD, saying, "The party has no ideology or guiding principles and is being driven by inexperienced leadership. It will soon vanish from the state’s political landscape."