BJD Moves to Disqualify 8 MLAs Over Rajya Sabha Cross‑Voting
Bhubaneswar, April 27: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has formally sought the disqualification of eight MLAs for defying the party whip during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
A delegation led by Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya submitted a memorandum to Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, accusing the legislators of anti‑party activities.
The MLAs allegedly cross‑voted in favour of a BJP‑backed candidate and made public statements against the party. They have since been suspended from the BJD.
Chief Whip Pramila Mallik requested cancellation of their membership, while senior MLA Arun Sahoo cited Article 191 and the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which provide grounds for disqualification due to defection.
Sahoo argued that defying the whip amounts to voluntary abandonment of party membership.
The BJD delegation also referred to precedents, including the disqualification of Himachal Pradesh MLAs in 2024 and Sharad Yadav’s case, to strengthen their demand.
In the March biennial elections, 11 legislators (8 BJD and 3 Congress) cross‑voted, ensuring the victory of BJP‑backed candidate Dilip Ray.
