In a significant political shift, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has resigned as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Parliamentary Party leader. Patra reportedly submitted his resignation to party president Naveen Patnaik on Monday, following a period of mounting internal discord.
The resignation follows a series of ideological and strategic rifts within the party:
Policy Clashes: Sharp differences emerged during the Waqf Amendment Bill debate. While MP Munna Khan voted against the bill, Patra opted for a "conscience vote," leading to a public fallout between the two leaders.
Internal Influence: Tensions have simmered over the rising influence of Sansrup Mishra in Delhi, which reportedly unsettled veteran BJD circles.
Protest Stance: On March 30, Patra resigned from the Communications and Information Technology Committee to protest derogatory remarks made against Biju Babu by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey.
While Patra remains a prominent voice in several parliamentary committees, his exit from the leadership role signals a major restructuring within the BJD’s Delhi camp. As the party navigates these internal tremors, all eyes are on Naveen Patnaik's next move to restore unity.