In a decisive move to enforce party discipline, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has suspended six of its MLAs with immediate effect for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities, including cross-voting against the party’s directives in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.
The suspensions were announced in an official order issued today by BJD President Naveen Patnaik, following show-cause notices, replies from the concerned MLAs, examination by the party’s Disciplinary Committee, and a decision by the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on March 21, 2026.
The suspended MLAs are:
- Chakramani Kanhar, MLA from 82-Baliguda
- Naba Kishore Mallick, MLA from 111-Jayadev
- Souvic Biswal, MLA from 91-Choudwar-Cuttack
- Subasini Jena, MLA from 37-Basta
- Ramakanta Bhoi, MLA from 102-Tirtol
- Devi Ranjan Tripathy, MLA from 88-Banki
The order states that these MLAs violated the core principle of the BJD Constitution, which mandates absolute loyalty to the party’s collective decisions. Their actions, particularly cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls held on March 16, 2026, constituted a breach of party whip and discipline.
The Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha saw significant cross-voting, where eight BJD MLAs (including the six now suspended, along with two already suspended members) reportedly voted for BJP-backed independent candidate Dilip Ray instead of the common opposition candidate Datteswar Hota, fielded jointly by the BJD, Congress, and Left parties. This contributed to Ray’s victory, resulting in the BJP securing two seats comfortably, the BJD one, and an independent (backed by BJP) the fourth.
The BJD had earlier issued show-cause notices to the six MLAs on March 17 or 18, 2026, seeking explanations for defying the party whip. Despite their replies, the Disciplinary Committee and PAC concluded that the actions warranted suspension.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions in Odisha following the Rajya Sabha results, with allegations of horse-trading and inducements levelled by opposition leaders, including BJD figures who accused the BJP of influencing MLAs. The Congress had similarly suspended three of its MLAs for cross-voting in the same election.
The suspensions are effective immediately, and the party has emphasised its commitment to upholding internal discipline and loyalty.
The move is seen as a strong signal from Naveen Patnaik to maintain unity within the BJD ranks, especially as the party navigates its role as the main opposition in the Odisha Assembly after recent electoral setbacks.
