Odisha Congress Seeks Disqualification of 3 MLAs Over Alleged Cross-Voting in Rajya Sabha Elections
Synopsis
In an unprecedented move, the Odisha Congress Legislature Party has petitioned the Assembly Speaker to disqualify three MLAs for alleged cross-voting during Rajya Sabha elections, raising serious questions about party loyalty and legislative integrity.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Congress has filed a petition to disqualify 3 MLAs.
The petition is based on allegations of cross-voting .
Violations of party whip may lead to disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.
Suspensions have already been enacted against the involved MLAs.
The integrity of the legislative process is at stake.
Bhubaneswar, March 17 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Odisha filed a formal request with the Speaker of the State Assembly, Surama Padhy, aiming to disqualify three of its legislators under the Anti-Defection Law. This action is in response to allegations of cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16, involving four seats from Odisha.
The petition, submitted by CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam, claims that Mohana MLA Dasarathi Gomango, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, and Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena engaged in cross-voting, thereby violating the party's official directive.
Kadam's petition highlights that these actions contravene the party whip and are classified as defection according to the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He stressed that their behavior compromises party integrity and breaches the democratic principles upon which they were elected. The CLP leader has called for the Speaker to commence disqualification proceedings against the implicated MLAs from the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
“In light of these matters, I respectfully petition the Hon'ble Speaker, through your esteemed office, to take notice and initiate appropriate actions for the disqualification of the aforementioned Members from their positions in the Odisha Legislative Assembly as per the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law,” Kadam stated.
The CLP leader also provided pertinent documents and evidence regarding the party whip's issuance and voting specifics for the Speaker's review.
Kadam emphasized the urgency of this situation, insisting that prompt action is essential to preserve the integrity of the legislature and ensure compliance with constitutional mandates.
Additionally, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee had previously suspended Firdous, Jena, and Gomango from the party earlier on Tuesday due to alleged anti-party activities concerning their cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections.
On the same day, Kadam urged the Assembly Speaker to adjust the seating arrangements for these three MLAs, as their suspension signifies they are no longer part of the CLP.
Point of View
It will be crucial to monitor its impact on the political landscape in Odisha and beyond.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis for disqualifying the MLAs?
The disqualification is based on allegations of cross-voting, which violates the party whip, constituting defection under the Anti-Defection Law.
Who are the MLAs involved?
The MLAs involved are Dasarathi Gomango, Sofia Firdous, and Ramesh Jena.
What actions did the Odisha Congress take against the MLAs?
The Odisha Congress suspended the three MLAs for anti-party activities related to their alleged cross-voting.
What is the Anti-Defection Law?
The Anti-Defection Law, outlined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, prevents elected officials from defecting to other parties.
What are the consequences of cross-voting?
Cross-voting can lead to disqualification from the legislative assembly and may impact the political career of the involved MLAs.
