The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has decided to abstain from voting in today's Vice Presidential election, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from within and outside the party. BJD MP Sasmit Patra announced the decision, citing the party's policy of maintaining equidistance from both the NDA and INDIA blocs, focusing instead on Odisha's development and welfare.
Key Reactions and Criticisms
Internal Criticism: Senior BJD leader Amtagagat Satapathy has slammed the decision, calling it "political suicide" and likening it to "hara-kiri" on social media.
- Opposition Views: Congress leader Sarat Rout suggests the abstention reveals BJD's reluctance to take a firm stance against its former ally, BJP.
- BJP Perspective: Union minister Jual Oram interprets the BJD's move as indirect support for the NDA candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, while BJP MP Pradeep Purohit echoes this sentiment.
Context and Past Actions
The BJD has seven Rajya Sabha members and no Lok Sabha MPs.
The party has historically adopted a case-by-case approach in national elections, abstaining in 2012's Vice Presidential poll and backing different candidates in past presidential and VP elections.
Controversy also surrounds BJD's stance on the Waqf Bill, where members' votes were split.
Election DetailsThe Vice Presidential election pits NDA's CP Radhakrishnan against INDIA bloc's B Sudershan Reddy, with voting happening in Parliament House today.