The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) made a significant shift in its stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, allowing its members to vote according to their conscience in the Rajya Sabha. This decision came after the party had previously announced its opposition to the bill, which has sparked heated debates regarding its implications for minority communities.
BJD leader in the Rajya Sabha, Sasmit Patra, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to communicate this change, stating that the party respects the views of minority communities and has taken their concerns into consideration. He wrote, "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. 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."
This announcement marks a notable departure from the party’s earlier position, as BJD chief Naveen Patnaik had declared in September 2024 that the party would oppose the bill due to concerns about excessive state control and the lack of procedural safeguards for minority rights. In November 2024, the BJD had also alleged that the Muslim community was not adequately consulted prior to the bill's introduction, raising alarms about its potential impact.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, after a marathon 12-hour debate that ended with a vote of 288 in favor and 232 against the legislation. The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, focusing on improving the management and administration of Waqf properties in India. Proponents argue that it will bring transparency and efficiency to Waqf boards, while critics, particularly from the opposition, label it as a move that could undermine minority rights.
In the Rajya Sabha, BJD MP Muzibulla Khan voiced his opposition to the bill, questioning the government's commitment to inclusivity. He remarked, "When Modiji won, his slogan was Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas…. Then why is there a sense of distrust in the minds of Muslims? It’s the responsibility of the government to erase the fear and concerns." This sentiment echoes the apprehensions many minority groups have expressed regarding the bill.
Despite the BJD's decision to allow its MPs to vote freely, the party still has seven members in the Rajya Sabha, and their votes could prove crucial as the bill proceeds through the legislative process. The BJD's change in stance has raised eyebrows, especially given its previous criticisms of the bill's provisions, which include the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards and the handling of Waqf properties.
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that it aims to empower Muslim women and protect the rights of all Muslim sects. He emphasized that the legislation is inclusive and seeks to address the management of Waqf properties without infringing on religious rights. Some opposition members staged a protest against the bill, wearing black as a mark of dissent, highlighting the contentious nature of the legislation.
As the debate continues in the Rajya Sabha, the BJD's decision to allow its MPs to exercise their conscience illustrates the complexities of political maneuvering in India's current legislative landscape. With the bill's passage in the Lok Sabha, it now faces scrutiny in the Upper House, where discussions are expected to remain heated.
This development comes at a time when minority rights are a focal point in Indian politics, with various parties vying to represent the interests of different communities. The BJD’s shift may reflect both internal party dynamics and the broader political landscape as the party navigates its position between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
As the Waqf (Amendment) Bill moves forward, its implications will likely resonate beyond the immediate political arena, influencing the rights and perceptions of minority communities across India. The BJD's evolving stance may serve as a bellwether for other parties grappling with similar issues of representation and inclusivity in their legislative agendas.
In conclusion, the BJD's recent actions regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding minority rights in India, as well as the challenges political parties face in balancing their principles with the demands of governance.
