Amid mounting tensions within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following the Waqf Amendment Bill voting controversy, senior party leader and former minister Padmanabh Behera has called for immediate action to restore order and unity within the party.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Behera emphasized the urgency of closing the chapter on the internal discord, cautioning that further delay could inflict lasting damage on the party’s credibility.
“This issue must be resolved quickly. Prolonging it will only harm the party,” he stated firmly.
Action Assured by Naveen Patnaik
Behera confirmed that MP Munna Khan had already met with BJD president Naveen Patnaik and demanded appropriate measures.
“Our leader has assured that he will take necessary action after careful consideration,” Behera said, expressing faith in the leadership’s ability to navigate the crisis.
Controversy Over Support for Pandian
Taking aim at recent public statements by some party MPs backing V.K. Pandian, the former bureaucrat who recently retired from politics, Behera expressed concern over the continued attention being given to him.
“It’s unfortunate that four MPs are still expressing solidarity with someone who has stepped away from political life. These actions are damaging our image,” he warned.
Call for Internal Discipline
Behera stressed the importance of party discipline and unity during turbulent times.
“No leader should be speaking against another in public. The party needs to take a firm stand now,” he urged.
He concluded with a clear message to the party’s leadership:
“We need to end this saga now. The longer it goes on, the more harm it causes. This is the time for strong and decisive leadership.”
Behera’s comments mark yet another prominent voice within the BJD calling for clarity and action, as internal rifts continue to cast a shadow over the party’s unity.
