The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) may initiate disciplinary action against six of its MLAs who cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha elections.
Show-cause notices were issued to the legislators, who have already submitted their replies. Following a detailed review by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, a report will be submitted to BJD president Naveen Patnaik, who will take the final decision on the matter.
The Disciplinary Committee met on Friday evening at Sankha Bhavan. The panel discussed at length the responses given by the six MLAs to the show-cause notices. Committee members felt that the MLAs had violated the party constitution and rules. BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik presented the replies before the committee.
The panel is expected to recommend strict disciplinary action against the MLAs for willfully breaching party discipline. After scrutinising all facts, the committee will forward its report to Naveen Patnaik for the ultimate call.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, senior BJD leader and committee member Debi Prasad Mishra said a thorough discussion was held on every aspect. “The party constitution has clear provisions for disciplinary action. The MLAs’ media statements about the party and its leadership, which appear to have damaged the party’s image, were also placed before the committee,” he said.
Mishra added that no member is allowed under the party constitution to make remarks that tarnish the image of the party or its leaders. Any such action can invite disciplinary proceedings.
The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including Chandra Shekhar Sahu, Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, MLAs Sarada Jena, Rajashree Mallik, Lopamudra Baxipatra, and Pradip Amat (virtually).
