Congress Axes Three MLAs Over Rajya Sabha Cross-Vote

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has suspended three legislators — Ramesh Jena, Dasharathi Gamang, and Sofia Firdous — for defying the party whip during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

The MLAs allegedly cross-voted in favour of a BJP-backed candidate, a move that the party described as a serious breach of discipline.

State Congress leaders emphasised that such actions undermine collective strategy and weaken the party’s credibility at a crucial time.

The suspension highlights internal divisions within the Congress camp, as the legislators openly challenged party authority.

Party officials stated that the disciplinary measure serves as a warning to other members, reinforcing the importance of unity ahead of upcoming political battles.

Leaders also noted that the incident has damaged the Congress’s public image in Odisha, where the party is already struggling to regain ground.