Odisha Congress Suspends Three MLAs Over Rajya Sabha Voting Controversy
Synopsis
In a bold move, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has suspended three legislators for violating party directives during the Rajya Sabha elections. Their support for a BJP-backed candidate has raised serious concerns within the party, leading to calls for expulsion from Congress.
Key Takeaways
Three Congress MLAs suspended for defying party whip.
Suspensions followed votes for a BJP-backed candidate.
Party leadership condemned actions as undermining party values.
Proposal for expulsion from Congress sent to AICC.
Ongoing issues of party discipline highlighted in recent elections.
Bhubaneswar, March 17 (NationPress) The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has taken decisive action by suspending three of its legislators for allegedly voting in favor of a BJP-supported Independent candidate, Dilip Ray, which was in direct violation of the party’s whip during the Rajya Sabha elections.
The suspended MLAs include Ramesh Chandra Jena from Sanakhemundi, Sofia Firdous from Barabati-Cuttack, and Dasarathi Gomango from Mohana. Their support for Dilip Ray contributed to the loss of Dr. Datteshwar Hota, the opposition's united candidate backed by the Congress and Biju Janata Dal.
Chairing the party’s disciplinary committee, Sujit Padhi announced the suspensions in a statement released on Tuesday.
“In the recent Rajya Sabha elections, it has been determined that Congress members Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gomango, and Sofia Firdous engaged in actions detrimental to the party. Their votes for a BJP-supported candidate not only contravened party discipline but also jeopardized the interests of the Congress party, prompting the decision of the Pradesh Congress Committee to enact this disciplinary measure,” Padhi stated.
Furthermore, the OPCC has recommended to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) that these three MLAs be expelled from the party.
In a pointed criticism, the party labeled the three MLAs as traitors via its official X account for their votes during the Rajya Sabha elections.
“Opponents may challenge you externally, but traitors undermine you from within,” the party asserted on X.
In another notable event, Giribala Behera, the President of the Cuttack City District Congress, has been expelled from primary membership due to ongoing involvement in activities against party interests.
“Cuttack City District Congress President Giribala Behera has been expelled from the party’s primary membership following persistent non-compliance with party directives and engagement in anti-party activities, with the approval of the Pradesh Congress Committee President,” stated the chairman of the disciplinary committee.
It is significant to note that during the Rajya Sabha biennial elections held on Monday, a total of eleven legislators, including eight from the BJD and three from Congress, crossed party lines, resulting in the victory of Dilip Ray.
Point of View
Reflecting broader issues within political organizations in India.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Congress MLAs suspended?
The Congress MLAs were suspended for allegedly voting against the party's directive in favor of a BJP-backed Independent candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections.
What actions did the Congress party take against the MLAs?
The Congress party suspended the MLAs and has proposed their expulsion from the party to the All India Congress Committee.
What was the outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections?
The outcome saw the BJP-backed candidate, Dilip Ray, win due to cross-voting by several legislators, including members from Congress and BJD.
What does the party's response imply about internal discipline?
The swift disciplinary action indicates the Congress party's commitment to maintaining internal discipline and addressing violations of party loyalty.
Who else was expelled from the Congress party?
Giribala Behera, the President of the Cuttack City District Congress, was also expelled due to ongoing anti-party activities.
