BJP Notices Aparajita Sarangi, Jual Oram for Skipping Waqf Bill Vote

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued notices to Odisha MPs Aparajita Sarangi and Jual Oram, seeking an explanation for their absence during the voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha.

The notices were sent after both parliamentarians failed to participate in the crucial voting session held in the early hours of April 3. Their absence has raised concerns over party discipline, especially since a whip had been issued, requiring all MPs to be present for the vote.

Taking a strict stance on the matter, the BJP leadership has asked Sarangi and Oram to clarify their reasons for missing the vote and whether there were any unavoidable circumstances preventing their participation.

Aparajita Sarangi, the Lok Sabha MP from Bhubaneswar, is a member of the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, chaired by Jagdambika Pal. Meanwhile, Sundargarh MP Jual Oram currently serves as the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha after an intense 12-hour debate, securing a majority of 288 votes against 232. During the discussions, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government against allegations of targeting the Muslim community, clarifying the distinction between Waqf and the Waqf Board and addressing concerns about non-Muslim involvement in religious matters.

The following day, the Rajya Sabha also approved the bill after an extended debate, with 128 votes in favor and 95 against. With its passage in both houses, the bill now awaits the President’s assent to become law.