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2w ago

Naveen Patnaik Defends V.K. Pandian Amid BJD’s Internal Rift Over Waqf Bill Reversal

The BJD president clarified that Pandian has not been involved in party activities for ten months, as senior leaders continue to criticize alleged undue influence in the party’s decision-making.

Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik with VK Pandian (ANI FILE PHOTO)
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Overview

  • Internal tensions within the BJD have surfaced following the party’s decision to allow MPs a conscience vote on the Waqf Amendment Bill, reversing an earlier stance to oppose it.
  • Senior leader Debashish Samantaray accused former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian of orchestrating the party’s U-turn, fueling broader criticisms of his alleged influence on party decisions.
  • Naveen Patnaik defended Pandian, emphasizing that he left the party ten months ago and is not involved in its current activities, while praising his past contributions to the state and the party.
  • Patnaik urged party leaders to address disagreements internally rather than through public statements, highlighting his commitment to maintaining unity in the BJD.
  • The controversy reflects deeper ideological and procedural divides within the party, compounded by its electoral setbacks in 2024 and challenges in reconciling its legacy with evolving political pressures.