BJD Condemns Legislators for Betraying Party Trust in Rajya Sabha Elections
Synopsis
The Biju Janata Dal has strongly condemned its own legislators for defying party directives during the Rajya Sabha elections, labeling the day as a dark moment for democracy. This controversy raises questions about loyalty and integrity in politics.
Key Takeaways
BJD leaders condemned cross-voting as a betrayal of party values.
Accusations of monetary inducement against disloyal MLAs.
Highlighting the importance of political integrity and ethics.
BJD’s foundation is rooted in the principles of Biju Patnaik.
11 legislators, including BJD and Congress members, cross-voted.
Bhubaneswar, March 17 (NationPress) The opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday towards its members who defied the party's president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik's instructions during the recent Rajya Sabha biennial election, deeming the election day as a dark chapter for democracy.
At a press conference held in the city, senior BJD officials emphasized that the party was founded on the principles and values of former Chief Minister and renowned leader Biju Patnaik.
They accused several BJD MLAs of betraying the party’s ideology by accepting substantial amounts of money to cross-vote for a controversial candidate.
BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik remarked that the MLAs who voted against the party line in favor of the BJP-supported candidate were now trying to invoke the legacy of Biju Babu to escape public disgrace.
She noted that individuals who once vandalized Naveen Patnaik’s vehicle with stones and eggs were later forgiven by him, receiving political support for their families to achieve electoral success.
“However, today, they have betrayed Naveen Babu and sold their principles for monetary gain. Can this be regarded as Biju’s legacy? Biju Babu stood firmly for ethics, principles, and values. By opposing the party and engaging in cross-voting, they have demonstrated their inability to resist the lure of money and power,” Mallik stated.
Senior leader Byomakesh Ray accused Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of providing shelter to the MLAs implicated in cross-voting at his official residence.
He further alleged that these MLAs received large sums from candidates backed by the BJP.
Meanwhile, senior leader Dhruba Sahoo commended BJD MLA from Rengali, who reportedly turned down an offer of Rs 15 crore to vote against the party, demonstrating his loyalty.
He also criticized former party member Bijoy Mohapatra, alleging that he had been orchestrating a plan for the past three months aimed at undermining the regional party.
Sahoo revealed that upon discovering this conspiracy, LoP Patnaik suspended Mohapatra’s son and Patkur MLA Arvind Mohapatra from the party.
In total, 11 legislators, including eight from the BJD and three from the Congress, cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha biennial elections held on Monday, which led to the victory of BJP-backed independent candidate Dilip Ray.
Point of View
Which must be addressed to maintain democratic principles.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered BJD's criticism of its legislators?
BJD criticized its legislators for cross-voting against party directives during the Rajya Sabha biennial elections.
Who is the leader of the BJD?
Naveen Patnaik serves as the president and Leader of Opposition for the BJD.
What was the outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections?
The elections resulted in the victory of BJP-backed independent candidate Dilip Ray.
What accusations were made against the cross-voting MLAs?
They were accused of accepting large sums of money to vote against the party's interests.
What is the legacy of Biju Patnaik in relation to this controversy?
The BJD claims to uphold Biju Patnaik's ideals of principles and ethics, which the cross-voting MLAs have allegedly violated.
