Orissa High Court Issues Notice on BJD MLA Disqualification Over Rajya Sabha Cross‑Voting

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: The Orissa High Court has issued notices to eight BJD MLAs accused of cross‑voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, directing them to file replies by September 29.

The petition, filed under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, seeks their disqualification for defying the party whip.

Senior BJD leader Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo argued that the legislators have lost both the moral and legal right to continue as representatives, warning that their actions undermine democratic principles.

Earlier, the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly rejected the party’s petition, prompting the BJD to approach the High Court.

The party has accused the state government of deliberately delaying action to shield the MLAs.

The court will now review the matter after receiving responses from the opposite parties, setting the stage for a crucial decision on the fate of the legislators.