Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former minister Pratap Jena has written to party president Naveen Patnaik, expressing serious concerns over Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra’s decision to vote in favour of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
In his letter, Jena asserted that Patra’s vote contradicted the party’s official stance on the bill and has called for appropriate disciplinary action. He emphasized that such deviation from the party line without proper authorization sets a damaging precedent and could confuse party members and supporters alike.
The development adds a fresh twist to the ongoing political storm triggered by the BJD’s divided approach on the bill, which has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly the Congress. As questions swirl over internal coordination and the absence of a formal whip, pressure is mounting within the BJD to clarify its position and take corrective steps.
