Cross Voting Costs Dear: Three Congress MLAs Suspended After Rajya Sabha Poll

Three MLAs Suspended for Defying Party Whip

In a major political development following the Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha, the Congress party has suspended three of its MLAs for alleged anti-party activities and cross voting.

The suspended legislators include Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena, Mohana MLA Dasarathi Gamang, and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous. The action was taken after they reportedly defied the party whip and voted in favour of BJP-supported candidate Dilip Ray during the polls.

Violation of Party Ideology and Discipline

According to party sources, the three MLAs went against the official directive issued by the Congress and acted contrary to the party’s ideology. Their actions were seen as a serious breach of discipline.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee’s disciplinary committee took strong note of the matter and initiated strict action against them.

Disciplinary Committee Confirms Action

Committee chairman Sujit Padhy confirmed that the MLAs were suspended for violating party discipline and engaging in anti-party activities. The party emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Cuttack Leader Expelled from Party

In a separate but related action, Cuttack city Congress leader Giribala Behera has been expelled from the party. She has been removed from primary membership over allegations of continuous anti-party activities.

The party stated that she had been inactive in organizational work and was repeatedly involved in activities that harmed the party’s interests.

Political Tensions Rise in Odisha

The developments have intensified political tensions in Odisha, exposing internal rifts within the Congress at a crucial time. The cross voting episode is likely to have wider implications for the party’s unity and electoral strategy in the state.