Bhubaneswar, April 5: Tensions intensified within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as a faction of senior party leaders on Saturday demanded action against Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson, Sasmit Patra. They call for disciplinary measures comes after Patra allegedly created confusion among party lawmakers ahead of the crucial vote on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the upper house of Parliament.
Patra, who also serves as the leader of the BJD in the Rajya Sabha, has found himself at the center of controversy following his admission that he voted in favor of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill. This admission has sparked internal discord, particularly after the party had previously declared its opposition to the bill. The matter has become even more contentious as Patra’s statements and actions ahead of the vote have raised questions about party discipline and internal coherence.
The controversy began when, ahead of the vote, Patra posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that BJD MPs were free to vote according to their "conscience" and that no formal party whip had been issued. This statement came in stark contrast to the BJD’s official stance, which had clearly expressed opposition to the Waqf Bill. On April 3, BJD MP Muzibulla Khan had even publicly spoken out against the Bill during the Rajya Sabha proceedings, aligning with the party's position.
Patra's post, which appeared to provide a loophole for party MPs to vote independently, has caused significant confusion within the party ranks. Critics argue that his comments undermined the collective position of the BJD and sowed discord among its lawmakers, particularly when the party had previously emphasized a unified opposition to the Bill. Patra’s statement, according to many, seemed to suggest that there was no mandatory party line to follow, leaving MPs in a state of uncertainty about how to cast their votes.
The confusion deepened after the vote, when Patra himself revealed that he had voted in favor of the Bill. This revelation has further irked BJD leaders, with many now calling for a clear explanation and accountability for Patra’s actions. Senior leaders within the party have expressed their displeasure, accusing Patra of not adhering to the party’s official position and of potentially causing harm to its credibility in Parliament.
As the situation continues to unfold, several BJD leaders have called for action against Patra. They argue that his conduct could jeopardize the party’s discipline and unity,
