The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress suffered a major setback after Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy rejected their petitions seeking disqualification of 11 MLAs over alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections.

The Speaker dismissed the applications, stating that the petitions submitted by both parties were incomplete and lacked sufficient facts and evidence. The rejected pleas involved eight BJD MLAs and three Congress MLAs.

According to Speaker Surama Padhy, the applications did not contain the required supporting documents. The enclosure papers attached with the petitions were not properly signed, and the required affidavits verifying the petitions were also not submitted. She said the petitions were rejected due to the absence of proof and factual evidence as per Rule 6, Sub-Rule 6 and 7.

The Rajya Sabha elections were held in March this year, following which allegations of cross-voting were raised against 11 MLAs. The BJD had accused eight of its MLAs of voting against the party line and demanded cancellation of their Assembly membership.

The BJD MLAs named in the petition included Souvik Biswal, Debi Ranjan Tripathy, Chandramani Kanhar, Subhashini Jena, Naba Kishore Mallik, Ramakanta Bhoi, along with suspended party MLAs Sanatan Mahakud and Aravinda Mohapatra. The party had approached the Speaker seeking action against them.

The Congress had also filed a petition seeking disqualification of three of its MLAs — Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena and Dasarathi Gamang — alleging that they had cross-voted during the election.

All the concerned MLAs had appeared before the Speaker and presented their side.

Reacting after the dismissal of the BJD petition, MLA Aravinda Mohapatra criticised the party’s move and called it a “mistake”. He said that they had voted according to their own choice and that cross-voting in a Rajya Sabha election does not automatically lead to disqualification. He alleged that the BJD was trying to remain in public discussion through such actions.

BJD MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy had earlier openly admitted voting for BJP-supported Rajya Sabha candidate Dilip Ray. He said he supported Ray because of his association with the legacy and ideals of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

After the cross-voting controversy, the BJD had issued show-cause notices to six MLAs. In his reply, Tripathy strongly criticised the notice issued by BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, calling it baseless and unconstitutional.

Citing a Supreme Court judgment, Tripathy had argued that party whip provisions do not apply in Rajya Sabha elections and accused the party of violating Election Commission guidelines. He also warned of legal action if the notice was not withdrawn.

Another BJD MLA Ramakanta Bhoi had also responded in a similar manner.

Souvik Biswal too had admitted to cross-voting, stating that he voted for the candidate who had the blessings of “Biju Babu”. He also expressed anger over past events involving his family and said his decision was influenced by those grievances.

The Speaker’s decision has now brought a new twist to the political controversy surrounding the Rajya Sabha election cross-voting issue in Odisha.

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The Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha took a dramatic turn on Monday as the state Assembly witnessed a major political upheaval. In a development that has sent shockwaves through both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress camps, three prominent legislators from the Cuttack parliamentary segment reportedly defied their party mandates and cast “conscience votes,” significantly shifting the political balance in favour of the BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray.

The unexpected cross-voting has added a layer of suspense to the high-stakes election, raising questions about party discipline and internal discontent within the opposition ranks.

Three MLAs Defy Party Line

According to political insiders, three MLAs—Souvic Biswal (Choudwar-Cuttack), Sofia Firdous (Cuttack-Barabati), and Devi Ranjan Tripathy (Banki)—reportedly broke ranks to support Dilip Ray during the voting process.

Their decision to vote against the expected party line has sparked intense debate within political circles and could prove decisive in determining the final outcome of the Rajya Sabha contest.

The cross-voting is being seen as a major setback for the Biju Janata Dal, which has traditionally maintained strong legislative discipline in the Assembly.

High Stakes for BJD and Congress Candidates

The rebellion carries particular significance as both the BJD and the joint opposition candidate have strong connections with the Cuttack region.

The BJD had fielded corporate leader Santrupt Misra, a prominent figure from the region, while the Congress-backed candidate Datteswar Hota is a well-known medical professional whose career has long been associated with the historic city of Cuttack, popularly known as the “Silver City.”

Despite these strong regional connections, the reported cross-voting suggests that local pride may have been overshadowed by deeper political calculations.

Speculation Over Reasons Behind the Rebellion

The motivations behind what many political observers are calling the “Cuttack Mutiny” remain unclear.

Some insiders point to dissatisfaction within party ranks regarding candidate selection, while others believe longstanding personal and political relationships with Dilip Ray may have influenced the MLAs’ decision.

Ray, a seasoned political figure with decades of experience in Odisha politics, is believed to enjoy goodwill across multiple parties, which may have played a crucial role in securing the crucial votes.

Dilip Ray Nears Dramatic Political Comeback

As the counting of ballots approaches, political tension in Bhubaneswar has intensified. With the reported support of the three MLAs, Dilip Ray now appears poised for a dramatic return to the national political stage.

The veteran leader is remembered for his long association with Odisha politics and his close ties with the late Biju Patnaik, whose legacy continues to influence the state’s political landscape.

If the voting pattern holds during the counting process, the Rajya Sabha election could mark not only a surprising victory for Ray but also a significant dent in the perceived invincibility of the BJD.

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With the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections drawing near, political activity in Odisha has intensified. Rival camps are strategically positioning legislators, issuing whips, and calculating vote-by-vote arithmetic for the crucial fourth seat, signaling a high-stakes battle in the 147-member Assembly.

Congress MLAs Camped in Bengaluru

Congress legislators from Odisha have been lodged in Bengaluru amid tight security and party coordination. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that 14–15 Congress MLAs were in the city under his supervision.

Shivakumar told the media that the party was “in touch” and “taking care” of its members, indicating they would vote for candidates backed by Congress, BJD, and CPI(M). The move reflects emerging Opposition coordination in the state.

BJP Issues Whip to MLAs

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a whip instructing all MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar and be present in the Assembly from 9 am to 4 pm on polling day.

The BJP is fielding Manmohan Samal (state president) and Sujeet Kumar, while also openly supporting Independent candidate Dilip Ray. This strategy is aimed at securing three of the four seats, underscoring the high stakes of the contest.

BJD Consolidates Support

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has huddled its legislators at Naveen Niwas under the leadership of party president Naveen Patnaik. The party has pitched Dr Datteswar Hota, former Odisha Health University VC, as a common candidate with Congress backing.

Other confirmed nominations include Santrupt Misra (BJD), Dr Hota (BJD-backed), Manmohan Samal (BJP), Sujeet Kumar (BJP), and Dilip Ray (Independent), setting up a competitive race for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat.

Fourth Seat Hinges on Cross-Voting

With 30 first-preference votes required for victory, the BJP is comfortably positioned to secure two seats, and the BJD one. The final berth, however, remains uncertain, hinging on cross-voting and last-minute deals—the first Rajya Sabha vote in Odisha in 12 years.

Election results are expected on the same day, promising intense political drama in the state.

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Odisha’s political arena is heating up ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16, with attention focused on BJD MLA Subasini Jena amid speculation about potential cross-voting. The absence of the Basta MLA from the assembly has fueled rumors that she may vote against her party’s line following her husband, former Balasore MP Rabindra Jena’s defection to the BJP.

Three-Line Whip Issued to BJD MLAs

In response to mounting concerns, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) issued a strict three-line whip late on Wednesday, directing all its MLAs to remain in Bhubaneswar from March 13 to 16. The whip, signed by party chief whip Pramila Mallik, emphasizes party unity and warns of strict compliance.

“The Rajya Sabha election will be held on March 16, Monday, from 9 am to 4 pm in the assembly premises. All BJD MLAs are instructed not to leave Bhubaneswar during March 13 to 16 and stay at headquarters. This is treated as a three-line whip and followed rigorously,” the document states.

Political analysts note that disobeying a party whip in Rajya Sabha elections, conducted via open ballot, does not lead to disqualification but may result in internal disciplinary action. Party agents monitor voting closely, making the whip a psychological tool to maintain discipline.

Rabindra Jena’s Defection Adds Political Pressure

Subasini Jena’s scrutiny is intensified by her husband’s move to the BJP, where he is reportedly tasked with garnering support for independent candidate Dilip Ray in Balasore district. This has raised fears among BJD leaders of possible vote defection or cross-voting by the Basta MLA, adding tension to an already high-stakes election.

Congress Steps Up Vigilance

The opposition Congress party is also on alert. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das confirmed that a whip has been issued to ensure all Congress MLAs vote together. He accused the BJP of attempting horse-trading while ignoring broader governance issues, warning that any MLA tempted to violate party instructions would face strict disciplinary action.

“So far, no MLA has fallen into horse-trading. Whoever does will face a strong campaign against them,” Das stated.

BJP Strategy Under Scrutiny

The BJP has remained silent on allegations of horse-trading but is placing its hopes on Dilip Ray’s candidacy as a test of the BJD’s grip over northern Odisha. With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, Bhubaneswar has become the center stage for political maneuvering, testing party loyalties and alliances in a tense electoral battle.

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