Bhubaneswar: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which was passed in Rajya Sabha yesterday, has brought a storm within the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as the stand of the party put the party leaders on stun.
During the Parliamentary Party meeting held prior to the beginning of the Budget session of the Parliament, the party MPs have decided to strongly oppose the Bill.
BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik had also announced to oppose the Bill during the Iftar Party organised by the party here.
Even on April 1, two of its most prominent members—Dr. Sasmit Patra and Muzibulla Khan (Muna Khan)—publicly announced that they would oppose the legislation, citing party directives issued by Patnaik.
However, in a dramatic turn of events on Thursday night, Dr. Patra, the BJD’s leader in the Upper House, defied the earlier stance and voted in favor of the Bill, asserting that the party Supremo had granted MPs the liberty to vote according to their conscience.
On Thursday afternoon, Patra in a post on X had said, “The Biju Janata Dal has always upheld the principles of secularism and inclusivity, ensuring the rights of all communities. We deeply respect the diverse sentiments expressed by different sections of the Minority communities regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.”
“Our Party, having taken these views into careful consideration, has entrusted our Hon’ble Members in the Rajya Sabha with the responsibility of exercising their conscience in the best interest of justice, harmony and the rights of all communities, should the Bill come up for voting. There is no Party Whip,” the post said.
Later in the night, Dr.Patra said he voted for the Waqf Bill as the party did not issue any whip on the issue.
He, however, claimed he was not aware whether six other MPs of the party too voted in support of the Bill. The party has seven MPs in the Rajya Sabha and none in Lok Sabha.
As per reports, BJD MP Debasish Samantray has staged a walkout during the voting for the Bill. The other MPs have not disclosed their stand on the Bill yet.