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BJD asks Odisha Speaker to disqualify MLAs who cross-voted in Rajya Sabha election
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) submitted eight petitions to Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy seeking the disqualification of eight MLAs who reportedly voted against the party’s decision in the March 16 Rajya Sabha election. The move follows allegations of cross-voting by these MLAs. The petitions were delivered to the Speaker on April 27, 2026.
Why It Matters
The development highlights internal party discipline issues and potential shifts in the balance of power within the Odisha Assembly, with possible implications for subsequent legislative processes.
Timeline
2 Events
BJD meets Odisha Speaker Surama Padhy and submits petitions seeking disqualification of eight MLAs
April 27, 2026
On April 27, 2026, the BJD met Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and submitted eight separate petitions demanding the disqualification of the eight MLAs for cross-voting in the March 16 Rajya Sabha election; the MLAs named are Chakramani Kanhar, Naba Kishore Mallick, Souvic Biswal, Subasini Jen, Ramakanta Bhoi, Devi Ranjan Tripathy, Arvind Mohapatra, and Sanatan Mahakud.
Rajya Sabha election held on March 16, 2026 where eight MLAs reportedly voted against the party’s decision
March 16, 2026
In the Rajya Sabha election conducted on March 16, 2026, eight MLAs reportedly voted against the BJD's decision, according to the article.