Bhubaneswar – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is facing internal unrest after the party unexpectedly supported the Waqf Bill during a recent vote in Parliament. The change in stance, which was not widely communicated among party members beforehand, has triggered dissatisfaction among senior leaders and grassroots workers.
Sources within the party indicate that several MPs and functionaries were caught off-guard by the decision, which they say contradicts the BJD’s earlier neutral or cautious approach to sensitive religious matters. The Waqf Bill, which deals with the administration and regulation of Waqf properties, has been the subject of political and legal debate in recent years.
While the BJD’s central leadership maintained that the vote aligned with the party’s secular principles and support for community welfare, critics within the party argue that the move lacked proper discussion or consensus-building. “There was no internal dialogue. Many of us were unaware until after the vote,” said a senior BJD leader on condition of anonymity.
This internal discontent has surfaced amid broader political pressure, as opposition parties have begun to question the BJD’s legislative consistency and transparency. Political observers suggest that the sudden shift in the party’s parliamentary position could have long-term implications, especially ahead of upcoming elections in Odisha.
The BJD, known for its disciplined and centralized structure, has rarely faced public dissent from its members. However, this episode has opened up conversations within the party regarding the need for greater inclusiveness in decision-making processes.
Party insiders say that efforts are underway to ease tensions and clarify the rationale behind the vote. Some leaders have also called for a formal internal meeting to address concerns and prevent future misunderstandings.
As of now, the BJD leadership has not issued a detailed public statement on the internal criticism, but sources suggest the matter is being taken seriously to avoid further escalation.
