Banki Stands by Devi Ranjan: Massive Show of Strength After Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting

Banki MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy received a rousing استقبال from thousands of supporters days after his controversial cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. The welcome turned into a massive public spectacle, with a bike rally stretching from Jatamundia Chowk to Banki market.

Supporters lined the streets waving banners and chanting slogans in praise of Biju Patnaik, with “Biju Patnaik Amar Rahe” echoing across the town. Women greeted the MLA with flower garlands, while notably, no official party flags were displayed—highlighting a shift toward personal and ideological loyalty over party identity.

Cross-Voting Sparks Political Storm
Tripathy’s decision to defy the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leadership and support independent candidate Dilip Ray played a crucial role in altering the outcome of the elections. The move contributed to a major upset, where the BJD-Congress alliance lost a key Rajya Sabha seat despite having numerical strength.

The cross-voting incident has triggered a political crisis within the party, with the leadership issuing show-cause notices to several rebel MLAs, including Tripathy.

‘Guided by Biju Patnaik’s Ideals’
Defending his decision, Tripathy stated that his vote was guided by the ideological legacy of Biju Patnaik. He argued that supporting Dilip Ray was consistent with Biju Patnaik’s long-standing anti-Congress stance.

He also criticized the party’s alignment, calling the BJD-Congress understanding an “unholy alliance” that deviates from the founding principles of the party.

Public Endorsement Strengthens Position
The overwhelming استقبال in Banki reflects strong grassroots backing for the MLA. Many supporters described his move as principled and courageous.

“According to Biju Baba’s ideals, we voted,” said one supporter, reinforcing the sentiment that Tripathy’s actions resonate with the original vision of the party’s founder.

Focus on Development Amid Controversy
Addressing the gathering, Tripathy expressed gratitude for the public support and reaffirmed his commitment to development.

“The love and respect of the people inspire me to work harder for Banki’s progress,” he said, adding that he will continue to prioritize the welfare of his constituents.

Uncertain Road Ahead for BJD Rebels
As tensions continue within the BJD, the fate of the rebel MLAs remains uncertain. With disciplinary proceedings underway and political equations shifting rapidly, the coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether the crisis escalates or finds a resolution.

The grand استقبال in Banki, however, sends a clear message—despite internal party turmoil, Debi Ranjan Tripathy continues to command significant public support in his constituency.