Rayagada Rebels Rock BJD: No-Confidence Vote Stalled by Court

A wave of political unrest shook the Rayagada Municipality office when 19 Biju Janata Dal (BJD) councillors defied the party whip and voted against Vice Chairperson Shubhra Panda during a no-confidence motion. However, the vote was halted following a High Court intervention, leaving the outcome unresolved.

Voting Stopped by Court Stay

The vote, scheduled for Thursday, saw participation from 21 out of 24 councillors. The Election Officer and Sub-Collector Ramesh Chandra Jena sealed the ballot box and secured it in the treasury, awaiting the court’s directions. Responding to an affidavit by Panda, who claimed she was not provided a copy of the resolution against her, the High Court issued a stay on counting and announcing the results until the next hearing on October 15. The court also instructed that no gazette notification be issued in the meantime.

Scuffles and Confusion at the Municipal Office

During the brief disturbance at the municipal office, the rebel councillors questioned the suspension of vote counting without a certified court order. Election Officer Jena clarified that the decision was taken based on the advice of the government counsel. The councillors, however, pressed for either an immediate announcement of results or a presentation of the court order, heightening the tension.

BJD Dominance and Internal Conflict

BJD holds a commanding majority in Rayagada’s 24 wards with 21 seats, while BJP and Congress have two and one seats, respectively. The rebellion by its own councillors indicates internal discord within the ruling party, making this political episode a significant one to watch closely.