Based on conscience: Naveen Patnaik's BJD eases opposition to Waqf Bill

Naveen Patnaik

As the Waqf Amendment Bill is being debated in Rajya Sabha, a day after it was passed in the lower house, Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal has apparently had a change of heart about the Waqf Amendment Bill.

After clearly stating that his party was against the bill ahead of its presentation in the Lok Sabha, the party, shortly before the voting in the Upper House, had tweaked its stand.  This is the first instance of a non-aligned party breaking ranks with the parties opposed to the bill. Tamil Nadu's opposition AIADMK and YS Jaganmohan Reddy's YSR Congress are so far standing firm.=

In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, senior party leader Sasmit Patra announced that there would be no party whip this time. "The Biju Janata Dal has always upheld the principles of secularism and inclusivity, ensuring the rights of all communities. We deeply respect the diverse sentiments expressed by different sections of the Minority communities regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024," his post read.

"Our Party, having taken these views into careful consideration, has entrusted our Hon'ble Members in the Rajya Sabha with the responsibility of exercising their conscience in the best interest of justice, harmony and the rights of all communities, should the Bill come up for voting. There is no Party Whip," he added.

The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha early Thursday after over a 12-hour debate that began a day ago, and is awaiting clearance in the Rajya Sabha. During the debate in the Lower House, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance strongly defending the legislation as beneficial for minorities, while the Opposition described it as "anti-Muslim". The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after a division of votes - 288 in favour and 232 against.