Breaking News: Congress Suspends Three Odisha MLAs For Cross-Voting In Rajya Sabha Polls
·2 weeks ago·2 min read
Key Points
Congress suspended three MLAs — Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena, and Dasharathi Gamang — for allegedly cross-voting in favour of a BJP-backed candidate in Rajya Sabha elections.
Bhubaneswar, Mar 17: The Congress on Tuesday suspended three of its MLAs for allegedly violating party discipline by cross-voting in favour of a BJP-backed candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections.
The suspended legislators were identified as Sofia Firdous (Cuttack-Barabati), Ramesh Jena (Sanakhemundi) and Dasharathi Gamang (Mohana). Their decision to vote against the party line triggered immediate backlash within the organisation.
Expulsion of Cuttack Leader
In a related move, the party also expelled Cuttack city Congress president Giribala Behera from its primary membership, citing her absence from party activities and alleged involvement in anti-party actions.
Party Cracks Down on Indiscipline
State Congress leaders, while announcing the disciplinary action, said the party would not tolerate any move that undermines its collective strategy. They described the step as necessary to safeguard the party’s credibility and internal discipline.
The Rajya Sabha elections exposed deep divisions within the Congress camp in Odisha. By supporting a rival candidate, the three MLAs openly defied the party whip.
Move for Disqualification
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said the party would approach the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhy, seeking disqualification of the three MLAs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Also Read: Odisha Rajya Sabha Polls Result Out as Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar, Dilip Ray and Santrupt Mishra Win
Under the anti-defection law, an elected member can face disqualification if they voluntarily give up party membership or defy the official whip.
Bhakta Das Accuses BJP
Das also alleged that the BJP misused money power to secure the victory of Independent candidate Dilip Ray. He claimed that efforts were made at multiple levels to influence Opposition MLAs and induce cross-voting.
The suspended legislators were identified as Sofia Firdous (Cuttack-Barabati), Ramesh Jena (Sanakhemundi) and Dasharathi Gamang (Mohana). Their decision to vote against the party line triggered immediate backlash within the organisation.
Expulsion of Cuttack Leader
In a related move, the party also expelled Cuttack city Congress president Giribala Behera from its primary membership, citing her absence from party activities and alleged involvement in anti-party actions.
Party Cracks Down on Indiscipline
State Congress leaders, while announcing the disciplinary action, said the party would not tolerate any move that undermines its collective strategy. They described the step as necessary to safeguard the party’s credibility and internal discipline.
The Rajya Sabha elections exposed deep divisions within the Congress camp in Odisha. By supporting a rival candidate, the three MLAs openly defied the party whip.
Move for Disqualification
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said the party would approach the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhy, seeking disqualification of the three MLAs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Also Read: Odisha Rajya Sabha Polls Result Out as Manmohan Samal, Sujeet Kumar, Dilip Ray and Santrupt Mishra Win
Under the anti-defection law, an elected member can face disqualification if they voluntarily give up party membership or defy the official whip.
Bhakta Das Accuses BJP
Das also alleged that the BJP misused money power to secure the victory of Independent candidate Dilip Ray. He claimed that efforts were made at multiple levels to influence Opposition MLAs and induce cross-voting.
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