Overview

• BJD's decision to reverse its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill, allowing MPs to vote on conscience, has deepened internal divisions.
• MP Debashish Samantaray publicly accused VK Pandian of orchestrating the reversal, linking it to broader concerns over the party’s ideological direction and legacy.
• Party president Naveen Patnaik dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing that Pandian has been unaffiliated with the BJD for over 10 months.
• Speculation is mounting over potential disciplinary actions against party members, including Sasmit Patra, who were involved in the controversial vote.
• The internal conflict highlights ongoing struggles within the BJD regarding Odisha’s identity, secular values, and leadership dynamics post-2024 electoral setbacks.