Storm brews in BJD over Sasmit Patra’s vote on Waqf Bill: Senior leaders demand probe into ‘policy shift’

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a party that has been boasting about its equidistance policy, is currently grappling with internal unrest following a controversial vote by its Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra in favour of the Waqf Bill.

The decision, which appears to contradict the party’s longstanding policy of equidistance from communal or religious issues, has triggered sharp criticism from within the party and raised serious questions about internal coordination and leadership directives.

Also Read: Waqf Amendment Bill row: BJD reaffirms its ‘secular stance’

A day after a senior BJD leader wrote a letter to party supremo Naveen Patnaik demanding action, another senior leader Badri Patra on Saturday openly targeted Sasmit Patra, questioning the authority with which he cast his vote in favour of the bill. 

Who Played The Game?

“How could Sasmit take such a bold step? The party has always maintained a neutral stance. This vote was not in line with our official position,” Badri Patra said. He suggested that there may have been internal manipulation, stating, “Someone has played a game. We must find out where this game was played and who was behind it.”

According to Patra, the party president Naveen Patnaik had informed about the decision to oppose the Waqf Bill. Later, how it was changed and how Sasmit Patra dared such a thing; hence, action has been demanded, he said.
 
“The BJD always said that the party will take a call and extend issue-based support in case of Odisha’s interest and the interest of minorities. But in this case, the decision was not as per party norms. Someone has played a game here. It is not known whether Naveen Patnaik had changed it. But Naveen Patnaik had clearly stated to oppose the bill; and why no whip was issued. Out of 7 MPs, 1 opposed, 5 voted in favour of the Bill and 1 abstained from voting,” Patra maintained.

This is not the first voice of dissent. Earlier, senior leader and former minister Prafulla Samal had written a letter to Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik, demanding strict disciplinary action and a review of the incident.

Ideological Dilemma In BJD? 

Badri Patra too called for immediate clarification, adding that Naveen Patnaik had issued clear instructions regarding the party’s position, yet a last-minute change in decision raises doubts and concerns. “How did the decision change at the eleventh hour? The party is now facing a moral and ideological dilemma,” he said.

He further alleged that Sasmit Patra, as an individual MP, does not have the power to alter or override a collective party decision. “His action has not only disrespected party discipline but has also brought disrepute to the BJD’s legacy of balanced politics,” he added. 

The controversy has intensified as it touches upon the sensitive issue of religious legislation, an area where BJD has traditionally tread cautiously to maintain its inclusive image.

Amid the escalating tension, there has been no official response from either Sasmit Patra or the party’s central leadership. However, sources close to the Chief Minister’s Office indicate that Naveen Patnaik has taken the matter seriously and is in the process of collecting detailed information about the sequence of events. A formal probe may be initiated soon to ascertain whether Sasmit acted on personal conviction or under undisclosed instructions.

With the issue now in the public domain and party leaders openly expressing dissatisfaction, the incident has exposed cracks in the BJD’s internal unity.