BJD Challenges Speaker’s Decision in Orissa HC Over Disqualification of 8 MLAs

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has moved the Orissa High Court, challenging Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy’s decision to dismiss its plea seeking disqualification of eight party MLAs.

The BJD alleged that the legislators defied party directives and skipped crucial meetings ahead of the March Rajya Sabha elections, amounting to anti‑party activities under the anti‑defection law.

In June, the Speaker rejected disqualification petitions filed by both BJD and Congress, terming them “cryptic, vague, unsubstantiated” and non‑compliant with statutory requirements.

Congress had separately sought disqualification of three MLAs — Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena, and Dasarath Gamang — for alleged cross‑voting.

The controversy stems from the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, where Opposition candidate Dr Datteswar Hota lost to BJP‑backed independent Dilip Ray, reportedly due to defections.

With the Speaker’s dismissal, the BJD has now sought judicial intervention, urging the High Court to overturn the order and proceed against the eight MLAs.