Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is in turmoil over the support extended to the Waqf Amendment Bill during voting in Rajya Sabha. Since the BJD was opposing the bill from the beginning, a sudden change in its decision on the voting day looked surprising. Many senior leaders of the regional party are unhappy over Sasmit Patra voting in favour of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha. Senior leader and former Minister Pratap Jena has written a letter to BJD president Naveen Patnaik. Party leaders are demanding action against Sasmit. Observers wonder whether Naveen really did not know anything Sasmit Patra took such a big decision without party supremo’s knowledge. Many wonder as to why the party is not taking action against Sasmit if he took the decision on his own.
Conflict or damage control?
The row over Waqf Bill has generated considerable heat within the BJD. Senior leaders of the BJD are raising their voice regarding the U-turn taken in the party’s approach. They are demanding action against Sasmit Patra. Many visited Naveen Niwas and complained to the party supremo. However, the question arises whether the entire incident was pre-planned. Everybody knows that nothing moves in the BJD without Naveen’s knowledge. No one can believe that Sasmit Patra would take such a major decision without Naveen’s knowledge. This has never happened before and Sasmit cannot afford to defy the party supremo. Therefore, Naveen’s instruction must have been there behind his decision. He must have voted conscientiously and tweeted only after being told. Then the question arises, if Naveen knew everything, then why the uproar? Is BJD controlling damage by presenting a picture of conflict?
Not knowing or knowingly unaware!
Senior party leaders are giving a serious statement about BJD’s U-turn after voting for the Waqf Amendment Bill. While Badri Patta claimed that there was a big game, Pratap Jena has written a letter showing the BJD’s stance towards the interests of the minority. This is also a rare incident in the history of the BJD. Till date, Naveen has been taking all the decisions of the BJD and no one has ever raised any question. Therefore, it is said that the senior leaders of the party are projecting that they are in a dilemma regarding the Waqf bill. There is talk of deliberately dragging Sasmit into the controversy and putting questions to Naveen. BJD MP Debashish Samantaray said that there is a conspiracy behind the scenes. Debashish has asked Naveen to take action against them.
BJD to gain from an impression of confusion
While the BJD remained in power in the state for 24 years, the minority voters have shown their affection for the regional party. However, there is a fear that the minority will lose faith in the party after some BJD MPs supported the Waqf Amendment Bill. Therefore, it is said that the discontent of the BJD leaders is being orchestrated to keep their core vote bank with them. If this is done, it will be seen that Sasmit and other MPs have taken the OBC decision without Naveen’s knowledge. As a result, the public will not be unhappy with the party but only with some individuals. The party will prevent major losses in the next elections.
BJD has not raised a voice against BJP during the last 6 years and has extended cooperation in Parliament even before being asked. But this time, the BJD was put in a difficult situation. Support to the bill meant backing Hindutva and voting against amounted to Muslim appeasement tag. Therefore, observers are of the view that Naveen was forced to choose such a path. However, the move in Delhi may have its impact on state politics. There is talk that BJD leaders have given such a response in a planned manner to save the minority vote bank.
