Bhubaneswar: Amid escalating tension within the party over Waqf row, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has reaffirmed that the regional outfit has always been maintaining secular stance and is committed to the welfare of the minority communities.
The former Chief Minister’s statement came when a group of BJD’s minority workers led by MP Muna Khan met him at his residence, Naveen Nivas, on Monday to apprise him about the split voting in Rajya Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.
Some of the party MPs supported the Bill while a few others including Khan opposed the measure.
As per information, the delegation was agitated and sought to know as to why BJD failed to take a unified stand against the bill.
Naveen assured the delegation that he would look into the matter and take necessary action. He stressed emphasis on BJD’s commitment to secularism and minority welfare. He also highlighted the party’s past actions, such as building churches, mosques, burial grounds, and madrasas.
Recalling that the party had snapped ties with BJP in 2009 because of its commitment to secular values, Naveen said, “Ours is a secular party, and we have always placed the needs of minorities at the forefront of our policies. I will look into whatever happened in the Rajya Sabha and take whatever action is necessary.”
Despite Naveen’s assurances, rift within the regional party appears to be widening. Some leaders are demanding action against those who supported the bill, with Khan daring them to leave the BJD and join BJP. The controversy has exposed factionalism within the party, raising questions about its future direction.
Amid widening rift in the party, voice against VK Pandian has been resonating from both inside and outside Naveen Niwas. In a twist, four Rajya Sabha members of BJD publicly voiced their support for Pandian.
The MPs – Manas Mangaraj, Sulata Deo, Niranjan Bishi and Subhashish Khuntia – reacted sharply to party colleague Debashish Samantaray.
Allegation by Debashish and some others suggest Pandian’s influence was instrumental in Patra’s unexpected support.
Several party workers at Naveen Niwas sought Pandian’s removal amid cries of “Go back Pandian” and “Save BJD”. Against this backdrop, the MPs like Manas Mangaraj and Niranjan Bishi have rallied to Pandian’s defense, suggesting Samantaray’s allegations are personal attacks.
