The Congress party in Odisha has formally requested the Assembly Speaker to disqualify two of its MLAs for allegedly engaging in cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha biennial elections. MLAs Dasharathi Gamango and Sofia Firdous are accused of not supporting the Congress-backed candidate and instead voting for the BJP-supported nominee. The party claims that despite being issued show-cause notices, the MLAs continued to challenge the party’s decisions at state and national levels.
The petitions submitted to the Speaker argue that the behavior of the two MLAs could be seen as a voluntary renunciation of their party membership, as per the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Citing the case of Sharad Yadav, the Congress emphasized that under the anti-defection law, disqualification can be based on a member’s actions or statements conflicting with the party’s stance, without requiring a formal resignation.
The Congress views the actions of the two MLAs as a serious violation of party discipline and constitutional norms. They have urged the Speaker to take appropriate action and disqualify the legislators as per the law. Notably, the party did not seek the disqualification of MLA Ramesh Jena, who also reportedly voted against the party’s directive.
A delegation from the Congress, led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das, met with Speaker Surama Padhy to submit a memorandum seeking necessary action under constitutional provisions. The delegation included Congress Legislature Party Deputy Leader Ashok Das, Chief Whip S. Rajan Ekka, and MLAs Sagar Das, Pabitra Saunta, and Mangu Khila.
