Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Naveen Patnaik today reiterated that his party has always been maintaining secular stance and is committed for the welfare of the minority communities.
His statement came after a group of BJD’s minority workers led by MP Muna Khan met him at his residence, Naveen Nivas, to apprise him about the split voting in Rajya Sabha on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.Some of the party MPs supported the Bill while some others including Khan went against it.
The delegation was agitated, questioning why the BJD didn’t take a unified stand against the bill.
Naveen Patnaik assured them that he would look into the matter and take necessary action. He emphasized the BJD’s commitment to secularism and minority welfare, highlighting the party’s past actions, such as building churches, mosques, burial grounds, and madrasas.
Patnaik stated, “All of you know that we have brought down a government… Ours is a secular party, and we have always placed the needs of minorities at the forefront of our policies. I will look into whatever happened in the Rajya Sabha and take whatever action is necessary.”
Despite Patnaik’s statement, discontent within the party persists. Some leaders are demanding action against those who supported the bill, with Khan daring them to leave the BJD and join the BJP. The controversy has exposed factionalism within the party, raising questions about its future direction.
