The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has softened its stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, choosing not to enforce a party whip in the Rajya Sabha and instead allowing its MPs to vote based on their conscience. This marks a shift from its earlier position, where the party had declared outright opposition to the Bill. Rajya Sabha MP and party spokesperson Dr. Sasmit Patra emphasized that BJD respects the concerns of minority communities and, after careful deliberation, has left the decision to individual MPs.
This change in position follows Patra’s earlier statement that BJD's Rajya Sabha MP Muzibulla Khan would represent the party's stance in the House, particularly concerning the interests of the Muslim community. Patra also clarified that while the party remains dissatisfied with the Bill, certain amendments were made by the Centre following a review by the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Debates on the Bill continue in the Rajya Sabha after an intense 12-hour discussion in the Lok Sabha, where the legislation was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. The Bill, introduced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has been met with strong opposition, with BJP MPs accusing rivals of misinformation, while TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Islam called it "cultural vandalism," criticizing the government for attempting to exert excessive control over Waqf properties.
