BJD Takes U-Turn on Waqf Bill, Leaves MPs to Vote by Conscience in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday changed its stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by announcing that there would be no party whip in the Rajya Sabha, allowing its MPs to vote based on their conscience.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra had earlier stated that the party upholds secularism and inclusivity while respecting the sentiments of the minority communities regarding the Bill. However, in a post on X, Patra later clarified that the party entrusted its Rajya Sabha members with independent decision-making.

Meanwhile, the Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha after a heated debate and a 288-232 vote count, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Dismissing opposition claims that it infringes on Muslim rights, Rijiju asserted that the Bill is inclusive, aims to empower Muslim women, and brings transparency in Waqf property management.

Some opposition MPs protested against the Bill by wearing black attire in the Rajya Sabha. The government, however, emphasized that the amendments were made after recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to improve Waqf board efficiency, enhance property registration, and introduce better technology for record management.

Additionally, in a rare move, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla extended Zero Hour beyond five hours on Thursday, allowing 202 MPs to voice constituency issues, marking one of the longest Zero Hour sessions in recent parliamentary history.