In a firm crackdown on indiscipline, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has suspended six of its MLAs for cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha elections, sending a strong message on party loyalty.
The action comes after a disciplinary committee probe and review of responses to show-cause notices issued earlier.
The suspended legislators are Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishor Mallick (Jayadev), Souvik Biswal (Choudwar-Cuttack), Subhasini Jena (Basta), Ramakant Bhoi (Tirtol), and Devi Ranjan Tripathi (Banki).
The controversy erupted during the March 16 Rajya Sabha polls for four seats in Odisha. While the BJP secured two seats comfortably and the BJD claimed one, a BJP-backed Independent candidate, Dilip Ray, clinched the fourth seat amid allegations of horse-trading. Reports indicated that eight BJD MLAs and three from Congress cross-voted in Ray’s favour, defeating the Opposition’s common candidate and urologist, Dr Datteswar Hota (supported by BJD, Congress, and Left).
BJD president Naveen Patnaik emphasised unwavering commitment, stating that the party constitution demands firm loyalty from all members. The suspensions underline that no deviation from collective decisions will be tolerated, aiming to reinforce unity and discipline within the ranks.
This move follows similar action by Congress, which suspended three of its MLAs for the same breach. The BJD’s decision is seen as a bid to stem internal dissent and project a united front amid ongoing political challenges in the state.
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