High political drama gripped the Odisha capital as supporters of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged a massive protest outside the residence of Banki MLA Devi Ranjan Tripathy. The demonstration was led by members of the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal and Biju Yuva Janata Dal, who accused the legislator of betraying party leadership during the recently concluded Rajya Sabha elections.
Allegations of “Betrayal” Rock Party Cadre
Protesting workers alleged that Tripathy indulged in cross-voting, going against party directives and compromising the interests of the BJD. The agitators claimed that his actions amounted to “handing over Banki to the BJP.”
Invoking emotional and religious sentiments, the protesters said the MLA had taken an oath in the name of Lord Jagannath and Mahaprasad to remain loyal to the party but failed to uphold it.
“Devi Tripathy won because of Naveen Patnaik’s face. Let him contest without a BJD ticket if he has the courage. He must resign immediately,” a student leader declared during the protest.
Legal Defense: “No Binding Whip on Voting Choice”
Coming to the MLA’s defense, senior leader and former minister Amar Satpathy visited Tripathy’s residence and clarified the legal framework surrounding Rajya Sabha elections.
Satpathy emphasized that while political parties can issue a whip to ensure the presence of their legislators during voting, they cannot legally dictate the candidate for whom an MLA must vote.
“Cross-voting in this context is not illegal. An MLA has the right to vote according to their conscience. Protesting against a democratic choice is unjustified,” he stated.
He further criticized the alleged practice of forcing MLAs to take religious oaths involving Mahaprasad, calling it “unconstitutional and legally untenable.”
Prabhat Tripathy Questions Protest Legitimacy
Former MLA Prabhat Tripathy, father of Devi Ranjan Tripathy, also slammed the protestors for demonstrating outside a government residence.
He questioned whether the agitators had obtained necessary permission from party leadership or local authorities to stage the protest.
“The party can issue a whip for attendance, not for voting choice. Devi Ranjan exercised his democratic right,” he said, adding that such confrontational tactics were not in line with the party’s earlier political culture.
Rift Within BJD Comes to the Fore
The incident has exposed a growing internal rift within the BJD between its grassroots cadre and elected representatives. While party workers are demanding Tripathy’s resignation for alleged betrayal, legal experts indicate that he may be protected under existing laws governing Rajya Sabha elections.
However, the controversy could still lead to disciplinary action within the party, even as it raises broader questions about internal democracy and leadership control in regional political outfits.
What Lies Ahead
With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on the response of party supremo Naveen Patnaik and the BJD leadership. Whether the party opts for strict disciplinary measures or attempts damage control will likely shape its internal dynamics ahead of future elections.