Waqf Bill Vote row: Pratap Jena writes to BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik, seeks action against MP Sasmit Patra

Senior BJD leader and former Minister Pratap Jena on Saturday wrote to BJD president Naveen Patnaik demanding action against Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra for going against the party line by voting in support of the Waqf Bill in the upper House. 

In his letter, Jena alleged that Patra had acted against the party's stance by voting in favour of the Waqf Bill in Parliament.

Anti-party And Shocking: Jena

Jena expressed strong displeasure over Patra’s action, calling them ‘anti-party’ and ‘shocking.’ 

He further mentioned that Patra’s recent social media posts reflect a mindset that contradicts the BJD’s ideological position. 

“His tweets have surprised everyone,” said Jena, calling the remarks “unfortunate and painful.”

Besides, he also suspects a deeper conspiracy behind the MP’s behaviour and demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter. 

“We must investigate who is behind this conspiracy,” he wrote, asserting that this was not in line with the vision of the party leadership.
Jena reaffirmed the BJD's commitment to stand with the Muslim community and said, “Our party had taken a stand against the Waqf Bill. Sasmit’s sudden shift in position is questionable.”
He urged the party to take immediate disciplinary action against Patra, stating, “Those involved in this conspiracy must be held accountable.”

Sasmit Patra Responds

Meanwhile, Sasmit Patra, currently on a visit to Tashkent along with a parliamentary delegation, has declined to comment on the matter. 
“I am presently in Tashkent with fellow MPs. I will respond after I return,” he told OTV.