In response to growing internal unrest within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the party’s ambiguous stance during the Rajya Sabha vote on the Waqf Amendment Bill, party president Naveen Patnaik on Monday assured that appropriate action would be taken after reviewing the issue.
Patnaik made the statement following a meeting with a delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP Munna Khan, who has been vocal about his disappointment with the way the party handled the controversial vote. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Patnaik said, “Whatever needs to be done will be done.”
Naveen Patnaik Assures Action On RS Vote On Wakf Bill
BJD President @Naveen_Odisha, after meeting MP Munna Khan-led delegation, said he would look into the Rajya Sabha vote on Wakf Amendment Bill & take necessary steps
“Whatever needs to be done will be done”, says Naveen… pic.twitter.com/PRwZH7f62q
— Soumyajit Pattnaik (@soumyajitt) April 7, 2025
Reiterating BJD’s ideological position, Patnaik reaffirmed the party’s commitment to secularism, recalling that the BJD had even severed its alliance with the BJP in the wake of the Kandhamal riots. “BJD has always stood for peace, harmony, and secular values,” he emphasized.
The controversy stems from the recent vote on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha, where BJD MPs took conflicting positions—some voting in favour, others opposing, and some abstaining. This has sparked criticism from within the party ranks, with leaders like Munna Khan accusing MPs such as Sasmit Patra of violating party discipline.
Khan, along with several members of the minority community, called on Patnaik at his residence, Naveen Niwas. The delegation voiced concern over the matter and demanded action against those who went against the party’s stand.
“Members of our minority community met Naveen Patnaik and informed him about the issue. They demanded the suspension of those responsible. Patnaik assured that he would resolve the matter soon after an inquiry,” Khan told reporters after the meeting.
Supporters of Khan, who had gathered outside the meeting venue, went a step further, demanding the suspension of Sasmit Patra from the party for going against a collective decision. They also called for the removal of VK Pandian from Odisha politics, alleging that his influence had contributed to the party’s ideological confusion.
The internal turmoil has cast a shadow on the BJD’s unity at a critical political juncture, with party cadres and senior leaders now awaiting Patnaik’s next steps to resolve the growing rift and restore clarity within the organization.
