BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik (file photo)

BJD has clarified that the party will not issue any whip on the Wakf Bill and its MPs in Rajya Sabha can vote according to their conscience. Earlier, the party had opposed this bill.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has changed its stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The party, which had earlier opposed the bill, has now allowed its MPs to take independent decisions while voting on it. The BJD has clarified that the party will not issue any whip on this bill and its MPs in the Rajya Sabha can vote as per their own will by listening to their conscience.

First opposition, now neutral stance

BJD had earlier strongly opposed this bill and called it against the interests of minorities. But now when this bill is about to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, the party has given its MPs the freedom to vote as per their conscience

BJD official statement

In an official statement on X, Biju Janata Dal national spokesperson said, “Biju Janata Dal has always followed the principles of secularism and inclusiveness, thereby protecting the rights of all communities. We respect the sentiments expressed by various sections of minority communities. Taking these views into account, we have given our honourable MPs the freedom to decide how to vote in the best interest of justice, harmony and the rights of all communities. No party whip has been issued on this issue.”

Protested a day earlier

This statement comes after Patra’s statement on Wednesday in which he said that BJD Rajya Sabha MP Mujibullah Khan will represent the Muslim community and raise the party’s concerns regarding the bill in the House. Patra also said that the party is not satisfied with the bill and claimed that the Center has amended some points after review by the Joint Parliamentary Committee.

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