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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been passed in the Parliament, but it has kicked off a political storm in Odisha following Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra’s vote in favour of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The move has ignited widespread debate, with the Congress party launching a scathing attack on the BJD for its stance.
The BJD’s stance on the Bill has created confusion as earlier unanimity was seen among the party members during the Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, Member of Parliament (MP) Munna Khan had openly opposed the Bill. Later, BJD MP Sasmit Patra said, "The party has decided that the MPs were to vote as per their conscience and left it to the MPs to decide...I have supported the bill..."
Taking to social media platform X, the Odisha Congress targeted the BJD, reinforcing suspicions of a continued political understanding between the BJD and the BJP.
“BJD MPs should have listened to their conscience and voted on the Waqf Bill. Their most senior leader Sasmit Patra voted in favour of the government. The alliance between BJD and BJP is intact. They cannot cheat the people of Odisha by playing tricks. Congress is the only alternative in Odisha,” wrote Odisha Congress in its X post.
The voting pattern on the Waqf Bill has triggered intense discussions in Odisha’s political circles, with opposition parties questioning BJD’s stand on critical national issues. Political analysts believe that this incident will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative ahead of the upcoming elections, as the Congress seeks to position itself as the primary opposition force against the ruling BJP.
BJD Divided On Issue?
Senior BJD leader Badri Patra, refused to comment on the matter saying that the party’s spokesperson would comment on it. However, he said that it has created an awkward situation for the party.
“Our party president had directed us to oppose the Bill. There could be some pressure. How this has happened, we are also surprised. We do not know who was behind it. Whatever information I have, the party president had clearly stated to oppose the Waqf Bill. Why any whip was not issued and other aspects need to be ascertained. Today’s meeting that was held in Bhubaneswar was of the party’s advisory committee.”
Senior BJD leader Sashi Bhusan Behera said, “There has been some confusion. Before every Parliamentary committee, a meeting is held; and, our party president had directed to oppose the Bill. We are also confused and hearing a lot of things. We can clearly clarify why this happened after discussion. The party is strong and the president is capable of clearing all confusion and dealing with the situation.”
Congress Sharpens Attack On The Issue
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Das said. “There has been a deal. Father and son duo came to Delhi and made the deal for the Waqf Bill. Earlier, they (BJD) had taken a stand to oppose but why suddenly they changed their stand? Only Naveen Patnaik can address the confusion.”
The PCC chief also indirectly hit out at VK Pandian stating that the stance of the BJD on the Waqf Bill is seen as a move to save Pandian from the central agencies. “If Naveen Patnaik goes to BJP, he and VK Pandian will remain safe. But, what will be the situation of other BJD leaders?” Das asked.
BJP’s Response
BJP MLA Babu Singh said, “Why Delhi? Had the voting taken place in Odisha Assembly, the same thing would have happened. There is no uniformity among BJD leaders. In Lok Sabha, the BJD numbers are now reduced to zero. The party (BJD) has become completely headless without a leader for which such thing happened. The party is heading towards a division.”
