Internal turmoil in BJD: Senior leader Prasanna Acharya hints at external force

A storm seems to be brewing within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra’s controversial vote in support of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament. The decision has triggered widespread discontent within the party ranks, raising serious questions about internal coordination, individual discretion, and the influence of external forces on party decisions.

As murmurs of dissent grow louder, senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya on Sunday has publicly expressed concerns about the way the party’s stance on the bill was handled. 

Speaking to the media, Acharya remarked that Sasmit Patra does not hold the authority to take such a significant decision independently. 

A Conspiracy? 

“What conspiracy has happened, I am not aware. But one thing is clear that Sasmit Patra has no authority to take own decisions. 

What Parliament members are saying that at a meeting it was decided to oppose the Waqf Bill. Why such a decision changed, who did it and why it was done, only Sasmit Patra can clarify it,” said Acharya.

Acharya further revealed that discussions are underway within the party to identify who might be operating from behind the scenes and influencing critical decisions without the knowledge of the full leadership.

Who is The External Force?

 “There are growing doubts among several leaders that someone is working on party matters from the shadows. Sometimes, such actions benefit the party, but at other times, they lead to serious consequences,” he warned.

The party veteran emphasized the need for transparency and collective decision-making, adding that unilateral or externally influenced decisions could place the BJD in difficult situations. “If external forces begin to dictate the party’s course of action, it is bound to face internal instability. This perception of outside interference needs to be addressed urgently,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, discussions and speculations continue to swirl within party circles about who orchestrated the change in stance and whether this was a case of strategic miscommunication or a deeper internal rift.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate within the BJD regarding internal unity, communication mechanisms, and the role of unofficial influences in policy matters. With senior leaders voicing concern, the coming days are likely to witness key clarifications and possible course corrections within the party.

Acharya further stated that they are unaware of under whose direction such a change was made. This has created confusion in the minds of BJD leaders. 

“Who is the force that is working for and against the party? All leaders are united that whatever decision is taken, it should be done at the party forum. The party will certainly face problems if any decision is taken by some external force,” Acharya added.