BJD Breaks Ranks with BJP, Joins Opposition Walkout in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD), once an ally of the BJP, shifted its stance today by joining the Opposition’s walkout during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha.

The walkout was triggered by Prime Minister Modi’s remarks aimed at former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, which led to protests from the Opposition. When Opposition MPs, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, sought to intervene, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar deemed their conduct “inappropriate,” prompting the walkout.

Historically, the BJD has supported the BJP on key issues such as the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, amendments to the UAPA and RTI Act, and the law granting the Delhi Lieutenant Governor more control. Despite this support, the BJD maintained a stance of equidistance from both the BJP and Congress, offering issue-based backing.

However, after a significant electoral defeat in Odisha, where the BJP unseated the BJD, Patnaik directed his nine Rajya Sabha MPs to act as a strong opposition. BJD leader Sasmit Patra emphasised the party’s resolve to agitate if Odisha’s interests are overlooked by the Centre.

Patra stated, “No more support to BJP, only opposition. We may go to any extent to protect the interests of Odisha.”