BJD Takes Firm Action: Six MLAs Suspended for Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting
Synopsis
In a bold move, the Biju Janata Dal has suspended six MLAs for engaging in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections. This decisive action follows accusations of defiance against party directives, highlighting internal strife within the political landscape of Odisha.
Key Takeaways
BJD suspends six MLAs for cross-voting.
Action follows show-cause notices and party investigations.
MLAs voted for a BJP-backed candidate, Dilip Ray .
Internal party discipline is under scrutiny.
Legal challenges anticipated from suspended MLAs.
Bhubaneswar, March 21 (NationPress) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has taken the significant step of suspending six of its MLAs due to purported anti-party conduct, particularly involving cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
In a formal announcement, the party clarified that this decision followed the issuance of show-cause notices by the Chief Whip, an assessment of the legislators' responses by the party's Disciplinary Committee, and a conclusive ruling by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC).
“The MLAs have been suspended immediately for their participation in anti-party actions, including cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, which breaches the fundamental tenets of the party's constitution that require strict compliance with collective decisions,” stated BJD chief Naveen Patnaik.
The MLAs affected by this suspension include Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishore Mallick (Jayadev), Souvic Biswal (Choudwar-Cuttack), Subasini Jena (Basta), Ramakanta Bhoi (Tirtol), and Devi Ranjan Tripathy (Banki).
Sources within the party suggest that the decision was influenced by claims that these legislators supported a BJP-backed Independent candidate, Dilip Ray, during the Rajya Sabha elections, contrary to the party's directive.
Prior to this, the MLAs had received show-cause notices on March 17, requesting an explanation for their actions.
“You are hereby summoned to provide a justification within three days of this notice regarding why disciplinary measures should not be initiated against you, including suspension from the Biju Janata Dal; and why appropriate legal and constitutional proceedings should not be pursued on the basis that your actions indicate a voluntary resignation from the Biju Janata Dal,” the notice stated.
In their response, the MLAs reportedly challenged the notices as “illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional,” and threatened legal action if the notices were not revoked. They also referenced provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, claiming that the notices constituted punishable offenses.
It is noteworthy that during the recent Rajya Sabha biennial elections held on Monday, a total of 11 legislators, including eight from the BJD (two already suspended) and three from Congress, engaged in cross-voting, leading to the election of BJP-backed candidate Dilip Ray.
Point of View
The suspension of six BJD MLAs underscores the increasing tensions within political parties in India. It reflects the challenges of maintaining party discipline amidst diverging interests and highlights the importance of adherence to collective decision-making in governance.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the MLAs suspended?
The MLAs were suspended for engaging in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, which is considered an anti-party activity.
What actions preceded the suspension?
The suspension followed the issuance of show-cause notices and an examination of the legislators' replies by the party's Disciplinary Committee.
Who are the suspended MLAs?
The suspended MLAs are Chakramani Kanhar, Naba Kishore Mallick, Souvic Biswal, Subasini Jena, Ramakanta Bhoi, and Devi Ranjan Tripathy.
What was the party's justification for the suspension?
The party cited a violation of its constitutional principles that demand adherence to collective decisions.
How did the suspended MLAs respond?
They challenged the show-cause notices as illegal and arbitrary, threatening legal action if not withdrawn.
