BJD’s stance in flux over Waqf Amendment Bill!

The stance of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appears to be in flux concerning the Waqf Amendment Bill. During a Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, Member of Parliament (MP) Munna Khan openly opposed the Bill.

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The BJD leader voiced concerns regarding the protection of Waqf properties, urging the Minister concerned for clearer assurances. Khan called for the removal of some specific provisions, notably the five-year compliance period and a Rs 50,000 fine linked to religious practices, to preserve land under Waqf from being transferred to others.

The contradiction persists

“I am standing here to speak against the Bill. The provision of a five-year compliance period kept for Muslims should be removed. The Minister has to assure the House that the lands relating to Waqf will not be handed over to anyone else,” BJD’s Munna Khan said.

However, the party’s stance became further complicated when another BJD MP, Sasmit Patra, addressed the issue on social media, asserting that no party whip had been issued regarding the Bill. He clarified that MPs were allowed to vote based on their discretion.

Taking to his personal ‘X’ handle today, BJD leader Sasmit Patra stated, “The Biju Janata Dal has always upheld the principles of secularism and inclusivity, ensuring the rights of all communities. We deeply respect the diverse sentiments expressed by different sections of the Minority communities regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Our Party, having taken these views into careful consideration, has entrusted our Members (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha with the responsibility of exercising their conscience in the best interest of justice, harmony, and the rights of all communities, should the Bill come up for voting. There is no Party Whip.”

This statement contradicts what Sasmit Patra declared on the first of this month, where he had mentioned the party's opposition due to several provisions perceived as anti-Islamic, asserting that backing the Bill was not an option.

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This apparent communication discord within BJD has left many questioning the sudden shift in Patra's statements over the last 24 hours, underscoring an apparent inconsistency in the party's messaging.