Row over Sasmit Patra’s post on Waqf Bill: Was it Naveen Patnaik’s decision?

Behind Sasmit Patra’s tweet regarding the recent Waqf Bill vote in Rajya Sabha, the strategic decision-making of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik may hold significant sway. Senior MP Subhashish Khuntia provided insight into the party's decision-making process on Monday.

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Responding to queries prompted by a social media post from fellow BJD MP Sasmit Patra, Khuntia clarified the procedural adherence within the party. Patra, appointed by Naveen Patnaik as leader of the BJD parliamentary party, had earlier tweeted about the voting deliberations, showcasing the structured decision-making process within the party.

Khuntia stated that all decisions made within the BJD are guided by Naveen Patnaik's leadership. He confirmed that Patra's public comments about the Waqf Bill were aligned with the instructions from Patnaik.

As leader of the BJD in Rajya Sabha, Sasmit Patra is authorised by Patnaik to make decisions, highlighting that the ultimate authority within the party remains with its leader. The party abides by Patnaik's directions in legislative matters, Khuntia asserted.

This is what the BJD MP asserted

“We adhere to the decisions taken by our leadership. If not Sasmit Patra, then who else holds the authority?” Khuntia questioned.
Highlighting Patra’s role in reflecting Patnaik's directions and the cohesive stance of the BJD in parliamentary proceedings, the BJD MP stated, “Naveen Patnaik is the leader of the party and whatever programmes are being held are based on his decisions.”

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“Accordingly, Samit Patra had tweeted on the voting by highlighting the ‘conscience factor’. There is nothing to twist and turn the things,” the BJD MP added.