Bhubaneswar, April 5: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former minister Pratap Jena has stirred political debate by writing a strongly worded letter to party president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, expressing deep concern over Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra’s decision to vote in favour of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

In his letter, Jena stated that Patra’s action was in clear violation of the BJD’s official stance on the bill. He accused the MP of disregarding party protocol by voting without prior consultation or authorization. Terming it a "serious breach of discipline," Jena urged the party leadership to take appropriate disciplinary action to set an example and avoid confusion among party workers and the public.

The incident has added fuel to the ongoing internal debate within the BJD, which is already facing criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress, for its unclear stance on the bill. The absence of a formal whip and lack of coordination among members has sparked calls for stronger internal mechanisms and clearer communication of the party’s position on key legislative matters.

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