The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing mounting internal dissent over its surprise position on the Waqf Amendment Bill, as senior leaders express unease over a decision that appears to contradict the party’s earlier consensus.
Veteran BJD leader Prafulla Ghadei has become the latest voice of dissent, questioning the abrupt shift during voting in Parliament. Speaking exclusively to OTV, Ghadei disclosed that a formal strategy meeting held at the party headquarters, Shankha Bhawan, had clearly resolved to oppose the Bill. However, what unfolded in Parliament has left party members and supporters puzzled.
“A clear decision was taken to oppose the Bill. Yet in the end, some MPs voted for it, some against it, and some didn’t vote at all. Who changed the party line, and on what grounds? People of Odisha and party workers deserve an explanation,” said Ghadei.
Calling for clarity from the top, Ghadei stated that only party president Naveen Patnaik can resolve the growing confusion.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty now. Once Naveen Babu issues a clear statement, things will become more transparent. I believe he will come forward and explain what led to this unexpected move,” Ghadei added.
The sudden and uncommunicated shift in stance has sparked discomfort within BJD ranks, especially among senior leaders who say it undermines the party’s long-standing ideological foundation.
Ghadei pointed out that BJD has always taken pride in upholding values of secularism, socialism, and justice. Any abrupt departure from these principles, he warned, could erode the party’s credibility among the public.
