TV
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is currently facing internal turbulence that some senior leaders have described as no less than a "Kalabaisakhi"—Nor’wester that disrupts everything in its path.
Sparked by the ongoing controversy surrounding the Waqf Bill and the role of key party leaders in its handling the crisis has led to a visible rift within the party’s ranks, with multiple senior leaders coming forward to express concern, call for introspection, and caution against complacency.
In a bold and candid statement, senior BJD leader Bhupinder Singh acknowledged the storm brewing inside the party. Speaking metaphorically, he remarked that certain pockets of the organization are experiencing strong winds of unrest and discontent.
“Now Kalbaisakhi is going on in the party. This is not a minor issue. We cannot pretend that the party is unaffected. The current situation has definitely caused a crack within our structure, and we must not deny the impact. However, it is just momentarily and it will completely change and get resolved,” Singh said.
He went on to emphasize that the BJD has always stood for inclusiveness and secular values, guided by the principle of equal respect for all religions.
“Our party president has never discriminated on religious grounds. He has always promoted harmony and mutual respect among communities,” Singh noted, adding that the developments involving Sasmit Patra—whose alleged involvement in the Waqf Bill controversy has drawn public criticism—will be thoroughly investigated and evaluated.
Debashish Samantray, another senior leader and spokesperson of the party, on Saturday added more weight to the growing unease. In his remarks, he defended Sasmit Patra by claiming that he was merely following orders and was not acting independently.
“Sasmit Patra was executing instructions. He is not solely responsible. There are others involved in the background,” Samantray asserted.
The controversy erupted after perceived ambiguities in BJD’s response to the Waqf Bill led to widespread criticism even sections of the party’s grassroots workers. Many felt that the leadership's silence and lack of clarity were unbecoming of a party that has so far projected a secular, people-centric image. The issue has become a lightning rod, exposing ideological differences, simmering factionalism, and possible power struggles within the party.
In the backdrop of this crisis, political observers believe the BJD is facing one of its most serious internal challenges in recent years. The growing dissatisfaction among veteran leaders, coupled with a lack of coherent communication from the top leadership, is causing anxiety among cadres and long-time supporters.
