BJD Suspends Six MLAs for Cross‑Voting in Rajya Sabha Elections

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has suspended six of its legislators for alleged anti‑party activities after they cross‑voted in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

The suspended MLAs are Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishore Mallick (Jayadev), Souvic Biswal (Choudwar‑Cuttack), Subasini Jena (Basta), Ramakanta Bhoi (Tirtol), and Devi Ranjan Tripathy (Banki).

According to party sources, the legislators defied the official whip and voted for BJP‑backed independent candidate Dilip Ray instead of the opposition’s joint nominee, Datteswar Hota.

Their actions helped the BJP secure two seats, while BJD managed one, and the independent candidate clinched the fourth.

The BJD’s Disciplinary Committee and Political Affairs Committee examined the replies to show‑cause notices issued to the MLAs and concluded that suspension was necessary to uphold party discipline.

This move comes amid heightened political tensions in Odisha, with allegations of horse‑trading during the elections.

The Congress has also suspended three of its MLAs for similar cross‑voting.

Party supremo Naveen Patnaik’s decision underscores his intent to enforce discipline and maintain unity within BJD, especially as the party positions itself as the main opposition in the Odisha Assembly following recent electoral setbacks.