India, April 8 -- A fresh controversy has erupted within Odisha's political circles as the Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal have accused BJD MP Manas Mangaraj of striking a secret deal in support of the Waqf Bill, drawing strong internal dissent from party youth leaders.

The sensational allegation was brought forth on Tuesday by BYJD State Secretary Nila Madhab Mohanty, who alleged that Manas Mangaraj played a key role in influencing party MPs to support the Bill, allegedly under pressure or due to undisclosed

understandings with the BJP. "In the hours leading up to the voting day, we from the youth wing called BJD MP Sasmit Patra to seek clarity. He told us that Manas Mangaraj had instructed him. The main intent...