In a major crackdown on internal dissent, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has issued show cause notices to six of its MLAs accusing them of gross indiscipline and betrayal during the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16, 2026.
The notices, signed by BJD Chief Whip (Opposition) Smt. Pramila Mallik, were dispatched today to Shri Chakramani Kanhar (82-Baliguda), Shri Naba Kishore Mallick (111-Jayadev), Shri Souvic Biswal (91-Choudwar-Cuttack), Smt. Subasini Jena (37-Basta), Dr. Ramakanta Bhoi (102-Tirtol) and Shri Devi Ranjan Tripathy (88-Banki).
Citing a letter from the Hon’ble President of Biju Janata Dal (No.32/PRS dated 12.03.2026) and the decision of the BJD Legislature Party meeting held on 15 March 2026, the notice states that the MLAs “acted in a manner that constitutes a grave breach of party discipline and a betrayal of the trust reposed in you by the Biju Janata Dal.”
It further alleges: “It stands conclusively established that you voted against the abovementioned direction, for a candidate not supported by the Biju Janata Dal. The same is evidenced by your compulsory display of the marked ballot to the authorised agent of the party on 16th March, 2026, thereby placing the manner of your voting beyond dispute.”
The strongly worded notice declares that such conduct “amounts to gross indiscipline, breach of party trust and activity manifestly prejudicial to the discipline of the Biju Janata Dal and amounts to your voluntarily given up your membership of Biju Janata Dal.”
The six legislators have been given three days — till 5:00 PM on 20th March 2026 — to show cause why:
1. Disciplinary action, including suspension from the Biju Janata Dal, should not be initiated against them; and
2. Appropriate legal and constitutional proceedings should not be initiated on the ground that they have voluntarily given up the membership of the party.
The notice warns that failure to reply satisfactorily will lead to ex-parte proceedings. It has been issued with the explicit approval of the Hon’ble President, Biju Janata Dal.
Political observers see the move as a clear signal that the BJD leadership intends to invoke anti-defection provisions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution if the MLAs do not offer a convincing explanation.
This is the first major disciplinary action by the BJD after the 2026 Rajya Sabha polls and is likely to dominate political discourse in Odisha in the coming days.
