Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik announced the party’s opposition to the 2024 amendment to the Waqf Act.
Addressing the BJD’s minority cell, Patnaik expressed concerns about a “sense of insecurity” among minorities.
“The BJD will strongly oppose the bill if it is tabled in Parliament,” the five-time Odisha CM said. He also said that Odias are proud of the cultural diversity and that everybody’s cooperation is important to build a prosperous country.
Although the BJD has no representation in the Lok Sabha and reduced numbers in the Rajya Sabha, it has shifted away from its earlier stance of supporting the BJP on key legislation.
After a loss to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 elections, Patnaik declared that the BJD would stop offering “issue-based support” to the BJP and focus on being a strong Opposition.
Despite Odisha’s small Muslim population (2.17% according to the 2011 Census), BJD sources claim Patnaik’s decision is to maintain his secular image.
Patnaik’s leadership has emphasised communal harmony and religious inclusivity.
The BJD supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill, it opposed the National Register of Citizens (NRC). At the minority cell meeting, Patnaik stressed the importance of peace and harmony for Odisha’s prosperity, highlighting the state’s cultural diversity.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduces key changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, including appointing non-Muslim members to state Waqf boards and giving district collectors the authority to determine Waqf properties. The Bill is currently with a Parliamentary Joint Committee.
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