Political news: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 5: The internal discord within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has intensified, as senior party leaders have openly criticized Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra for supporting the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament—going against the party’s stated position.
Senior BJD leader and former minister Pratap Jena has written to party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, urging swift disciplinary action against Patra. In his letter, Jena described Patra’s vote in favour of the bill as both “anti-party” and “shocking,” raising serious concerns about internal discipline and ideological coherence within the party.
Jena also pointed to Patra’s recent social media activity, stating that it reflects a mindset inconsistent with the BJD’s principles. Suggesting the possibility of a deeper agenda, he called for a thorough investigation into what he suspects could be a larger conspiracy. “We must find out who is orchestrating this from behind the scenes,” Jena asserted.
Reaffirming that the BJD had firmly opposed the Waqf Bill, Jena questioned the sudden shift in Patra’s stance and called for immediate accountability. “Those involved in this must be held responsible,” he said.
