The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued notices to two of its prominent MPs from Odisha, Aparajita Sarangi and Union Minister Jual Oram, seeking explanations for their absence during the voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha.
The bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties, was passed in the lower house on April 3, 2025, after a marathon 12-hour debate, with 288 votes in favour and 232 against.
The absence of Sarangi, the MP from Bhubaneswar, and Oram, a senior tribal leader and the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, has raised eyebrows within the party, especially since the BJP had issued a whip to ensure the presence of all its Lok Sabha members during the voting. The whip was part of the party’s strategy to secure a strong show of support for the bill, which has sparked intense debate and opposition from various quarters, including the INDIA bloc.
Sources within the BJP indicate that the party leadership is keen to understand the reasons behind the lawmakers’ absence, given their stature and the significance of the legislation. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, now renamed the Unified Waqf Management Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Bill, seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency in Waqf property management, a move the government claims will benefit marginalized Muslim communities. However, critics have labeled it as an attack on minority rights.
Aparajita Sarangi, a vocal parliamentarian and a member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that reviewed the bill, had previously defended the legislation, accusing opposition leaders of stalling discussions. Her absence during the crucial vote has thus surprised many. Similarly, Jual Oram’s non-participation has drawn attention, given his seniority and the party’s reliance on his influence in Odisha.
The notices, issued on April 4, 2025, demand clarification from both MPs, with the party reportedly viewing their absence as a breach of discipline at a critical juncture. While neither Sarangi nor Oram has publicly commented on the matter as of now, political analysts suggest this could lead to internal discussions within the BJP’s Odisha unit.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has now moved to the Rajya Sabha, where it was passed early on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, following another heated debate. The legislation awaits the President’s assent to become law, marking a significant step in the Modi government’s reform agenda.
As the BJP navigates the fallout from this episode, the focus remains on how Sarangi and Oram will respond to the notices and whether their absence will impact their standing within the party.
