Tensions are rising within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as its youth and student wings have launched a scathing attack on party MP Manas Mangaraj, accusing him of facilitating covert support for the Waqf Amendment Bill in coordination with the BJP.
The explosive claims were made on Tuesday by Nila Madhab Mohanty, State Secretary of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD), who alleged that Mangaraj influenced the party’s stance on the bill, possibly due to hidden arrangements or external pressure.
Allegations of Internal Sabotage
“We contacted MP Sasmit Patra ahead of the vote to clarify the party’s position. He told us that he acted under the instructions of Manas Mangaraj,” said Mohanty. “It seems their objective is to erode the BJD from within. This is unacceptable.”
Calling Mangaraj a “middleman for the BJP,” Mohanty accused him of working against BJD’s core values and principles. He warned that both Mangaraj and Patra would face resistance from the youth and student wings of the party if disciplinary action is not taken.
Youth Leaders Demand Action
Mohanty emphasized that the younger factions of the party will not stay silent. “We will challenge and oppose any attempts to damage the party’s integrity. This fight is to protect BJD’s identity,” he added.
No response has been issued so far by Manas Mangaraj, even as the controversy continues to fuel internal unrest.
The episode adds to the ongoing turbulence within the BJD, with senior leaders and party members now looking to the top leadership for decisive intervention to restore unity.