Odisha Congress Moves to Disqualify Suspended MLA Ramesh Jena
The Odisha Congress has intensified its disciplinary action by formally petitioning Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy to disqualify suspended MLA Ramesh Jena.
A delegation of senior leaders, including Rama Chandra Kadam, Bhakta Das, and CS Razen Ekka, submitted a memorandum demanding Jena’s removal from the Assembly.
The Congress Legislature Party leader also wrote separately to the Speaker, reinforcing the demand.
This move follows earlier petitions against MLAs Sofia Firdous and Dasarathi Gomango, who, along with Jena, allegedly cross‑voted during the recent Rajya Sabha elections despite a party whip.
While cross‑voting has triggered the disciplinary push, legal experts note that whips are not binding in Rajya Sabha polls, which may influence the Speaker’s decision.
The Congress leadership has stated it will await the ruling, but the petitions mark a significant escalation in the party’s internal accountability drive.
