A political storm is brewing inside the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following the party’s sudden and unexpected shift in its stand regarding the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025. The bill, recently passed in Parliament, has ignited a wave of internal discontent among senior BJD leaders, many of whom have openly voiced their disapproval and raised serious questions about the party’s decision-making process and political integrity.

The controversy erupted when Sasmit Patra, BJD’s leader in the Rajya Sabha, posted a message allowing members of the party to vote on the Waqf Bill based on their conscience. This stance starkly contrasted the party’s previously declared position to oppose the bill, creating confusion within the ranks and prompting concerns among party loyalists.

Bhupinder Singh, a former minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, compared the situation to a "Kalabaishakhi" (Nor’wester) — a stormy disturbance that indicates brewing turmoil. Singh admitted that there is unrest within the BJD, but expressed confidence in Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, calling the phase temporary and one that can be handled by the seasoned politician.

Prasanna Acharya, Deputy Leader of the BJD in the Assembly and a former MP, further added fuel to the fire by suggesting that an "external force" could be behind the decision to not oppose the Waqf Bill. While defending the party’s secular image, Acharya emphasized that decisions of such national importance should be discussed within the party’s Parliamentary forum. His remarks underlined the growing perception among party members that vital decisions are being influenced from outside the leadership circle.

Despite trying to maintain a balanced secular image, the BJD’s altered stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has raised eyebrows, particularly because the Waqf issue involves sensitive religious and constitutional implications. The Waqf Board governs properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community, and any amendments to this Act are bound to be politically and communally sensitive.

Acharya clarified that while the party might have changed its decision at the last moment, it still remains a secular party that supports or opposes legislation based on the interests of Odisha, not national political alliances like the NDA or UPA. However, his repeated reference to "external influence" only deepened the mystery of who made the final call on the party’s voting direction.

The situation grew more intense when Acharya directly questioned Sasmit Patra’s authority, stating, "Let Patra return from his foreign tour. He has no authority to make such decisions. He should be following directions from someone. Everything will be clear once he speaks out about who directed him to change the party’s decision."

This statement indicates that key party members suspect a parallel decision-making mechanism, one that operates without transparency and possibly without Naveen Patnaik’s knowledge. Several party insiders have now begun questioning if Sasmit Patra acted on instructions from a hidden authority, further compounding the crisis.

Veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra added a dramatic dimension to the unfolding narrative by alleging that Naveen Patnaik is under house arrest and that his chief advisor is running the show. Mishra claimed that the BJD supremo is being remotely controlled, and this isn’t the first time he has been in such a position. He also hinted at a covert understanding or "deal" between the BJP and the BJD, suggesting that the party's shift on the Waqf Bill may be part of a larger political arrangement.

Adding his voice to the controversy, BJP MP Balabhadra Majhi predicted the eventual collapse of the BJD, citing lack of ideology and direction. Majhi alleged that inexperienced leadership and inconsistent policies will soon push the party out of Odisha’s political sphere.

This political drama underscores the challenges faced by regional parties like the BJD in maintaining an independent and secular image amid a highly polarized national political environment. The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 has now become more than just legislation — it is the epicentre of a brewing leadership and ideological crisis within the BJD.

Party insiders now await the return of Sasmit Patra, who has become the centre of speculation and scrutiny. Many are demanding a transparent clarification on who changed the party’s position and whether it was aligned with the values of BJD’s long-standing secular identity. The central leadership, particularly Naveen Patnaik, is expected to issue a formal statement or convene a parliamentary meeting to resolve the internal contradictions and restore public confidence.

At the heart of this controversy lies the BJD’s struggle to balance regional autonomy with national alliances, particularly as opposition unity becomes a key theme in the run-up to future general elections. Whether the BJD will weather this storm or falter under the weight of its internal contradictions remains to be seen.

As Odisha’s political landscape continues to evolve, the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 episode will likely remain a turning point in the BJD’s political journey. If not addressed with clarity and transparency, the crisis has the potential to reshape the identity and future of the Biju Janata Dal — a party once celebrated for its firm stand on secularism and regional interests.

The developments also signal to other regional parties the importance of internal democracy and communication, especially when dealing with sensitive national legislation. With public trust at stake, and political opponents already seizing the moment, the BJD leadership must act decisively to prevent further erosion of its credibility and cohesion.

In conclusion, what began as a vote on a parliamentary bill has now morphed into a full-blown internal crisis that could potentially redefine Odisha’s political equations. All eyes are now on Naveen Patnaik and the leadership decisions that will either mend or deepen the fractures within the BJD.

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