Odisha Speaker Rejects BJD’s plea to disqualify 8 MLAs over Rajya Sabha Cross voting

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar:Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy dismissed the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) petition seeking the disqualification of eight MLAs for alleged cross-voting during the March 2026 Rajya Sabha elections.

The Speaker rejected the petitions on procedural grounds, citing that they were vague, unsubstantiated, and lacked mandatory evidence.

While the suspended, rebel MLAs maintained their right to independent voting, the BJD is reviewing the decision and exploring further legal options.

Political expert Pranab Mishara gave a statement to media its a good dramatic twist to Odisha’s political theatre, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy has thrown out the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) petition seeking disqualification of eight legislators accused of defying the party whip during the Rajya Sabha elections in March.

The opposition BJD had alleged that the MLAs cross-voted in favour of BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray, breaching party discipline. Following the alleged rebellion, the party suspended the lawmakers and, in April, a delegation led by Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallick formally urged the Speaker to disqualify them.

Of the eight named, six namely, Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishore Mallick (Jayadev), Souvic Biswal (Choudwar-Cuttack), Subasini Jena (Basta), Ramakanta Bhoi

The remaining two, Arvind Mohapatra (Patkura) and Sanatan Mahakud (Champua), had earlier faced suspension over anti-party activities.

The Speaker’s decision now leaves the BJD grappling with internal dissent while the BJP gains fresh political leverage in Odisha’s shifting landscape.

#agencies

Images;Hindu