Waqf Bill decision was changed, Naveen Patnaik should clarify, demands Prafulla Ghadei

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is witnessing a growing internal crisis over Waqf Amendment Bill, as senior party leaders continue to express displeasure over the party's sudden shift in stance during voting. The Bill controversy has now snowballed into a political storm within the party, with several top leaders demanding accountability and transparency from the leadership.

The latest to break his silence is senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadei, who in an exclusive interview to OTV, strongly questioned the inconsistency in the party's approach. 

Ghadei revealed that a formal meeting had been held at the Shankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters, where a unanimous decision was taken to oppose the Waqf Bill. However, the party’s unexpected change in position during voting has baffled many within the organization.

Why Decision Was Changed?

“A decision was taken in the Sankha Bhavan meeting to oppose the Waqf Bill. Some have voted in favour, some against and some abstained. But later, someone changed that decision in Parliament. Who made that change and why – the people of Odisha and the party cadre deserve an answer,” Ghadei said.

Naveen Patnaik Should Clarify….

Prafula Ghadei further emphasized that only BJD president Naveen Patnaik can offer a clear explanation and resolve the confusion. According to Ghadei, “Whatever confusion is now prevailing, it will get clear when Naveen Patnaik keeps a statement. I think he will come forward and clarify the circumstances that led to this dramatic reversal.”
The development has triggered visible discontent among party ranks, with one senior leader after another speaking out publicly. 

Ghadei’s remarks reflect a deeper unrest, suggesting that the incident has created a state of “astonishment and confusion” within the party. He confirmed that many senior BJD leaders have already met with Naveen Patnaik in an attempt to understand the rationale behind the decision and to bring clarity to the situation.

What adds to the tension is the ideological contradiction that the sudden support of the Waqf Bill represents. Ghadei reminded the public that BJD has always stood on firm ideological ground rooted in secularism, socialism, and social justice.

“Every party must have a clear ideology. The BJD has always believed in social justice, secularism, and a people-first approach. If we deviate from this, it not only weakens the party but also shakes public trust,” Ghadei added.

The sudden change in the party’s stance without adequate communication or justification has not only angered senior leaders but also created a wave of confusion among the party’s grassroots workers and supporters. The lack of a unified voice and clarity from the top leadership has pushed the party into a defensive posture, just ahead of a politically sensitive period.
As the controversy deepens, the question now looming over Odisha’s political landscape is simple yet critical – Will Naveen Patnaik speak up to settle the matter, or will the silence prolong the confusion and damage within BJD’s ranks?