Bhubaneswar: With two days left in the Budget Session, the focus shifted to the Rajya Sabha as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was introduced, a day after its Lok Sabha passage.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has seen its Rajya Sabha strength shrink to seven after two MPs , Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar defected to the BJP. While BJD has not issued a whip, it has allowed its MPs to vote as per their conscience.
MP Sasmit Patra reaffirmed the party’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity, acknowledging concerns from minority communities. However, BJD had earlier stated it would oppose both the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, with MP Muzibulla Khan expected to present objections.
Previously aligning with the BJP on key bills, BJD shifted its stance after its 2024 electoral defeat, losing all Lok Sabha seats and shrinking to 78 in the Assembly. Declaring itself a "strong opposition," the party joined Opposition walkouts and accused the BJP of 'Operation Lotus' after two ex-BJD MPs returned to the Rajya Sabha as BJP members.
