Wed Apr 09 06:54:36 UTC 2025: ## BJD Faces Internal Rift Over Support for Waqf Amendment Bill

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha, April 9, 2025** – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is grappling with internal dissent following its decision to not formally oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha. While the party allowed its MPs a free vote, resulting in a split vote, this has angered a significant section of BJD leaders who accuse the party of inadvertently supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The discontent manifested in protests outside Naveen Niwas, the residence of BJD president Naveen Patnaik, on Monday, where slogans were directed at V.K. Pandian, a former bureaucrat and close advisor to Patnaik, who is seen as responsible for the party’s stance. Pandian recently retired from active politics following the BJD’s losses in the 2024 general and assembly elections.

To address the escalating tensions, Patnaik met with senior party leaders on Tuesday to discuss the situation. He reportedly assured them that appropriate action would be taken and emphasized the need to preserve the BJD’s secular image, particularly in light of the potential for the Congress party to capitalize on the situation. The Muslim community, a key BJD voting bloc, is reportedly angered by the party’s actions.

Separately, a group of young BJD leaders, including several MLAs, met to express their concerns and submitted a memorandum to Patnaik urging him to cease supporting the BJP, citing the detrimental impact of past collaborations on the party’s electoral performance. They warned that supporting BJP policies could further alienate voters. They stressed the importance of maintaining party discipline and requested action against those responsible for the current turmoil.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by both houses of Parliament, has become a focal point of the internal conflict within the BJD. The party’s ambiguous approach, allowing MPs to vote according to their conscience, has exposed a deep division within the party’s ranks and raised questions about its future strategy. The situation highlights the delicate balancing act the BJD faces in navigating national and regional politics.

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