A delegation of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs, led by Deputy Leader Prasanna Acharya, met the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Surama Padhy, to request the disqualification of eight party legislators. These MLAs allegedly violated the party’s instructions by supporting a candidate from the ruling party during the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The BJD delegation emphasized that the actions of these MLAs constitute a breach of party rules and fall under the anti-defection law.
The delegation submitted a formal memorandum urging the Speaker to take prompt action and disqualify the members involved in the alleged misconduct. BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik stated that the eight legislators engaged in activities against the party’s interests have been suspended and should be removed from the party. She highlighted that their actions, including voting against party directives and criticizing the BJD publicly, warrant disqualification.
Senior BJD MLA Arun Sahoo emphasized the seriousness of defying the party whip and engaging in cross-voting, citing constitutional provisions related to defection. Sahoo pointed out that such actions undermine party discipline and the trust of the electorate. Referring to past instances of disqualification, he expressed confidence in the Speaker’s ability to address the matter in accordance with the law.
