Odisha Congress Moves for Disqualification over Cross-Voting Allegations

In a significant political move, the Odisha Congress has formally requested the Assembly Speaker to disqualify two MLAs, Dasarathi Gamango and Sofia Firdous, for allegedly engaging in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections. This demand, articulated by Congress Chief Whip CS Raazen Ekka, points to purported violations under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Congress party also indicated plans to pursue disqualification for MLA Ramesh Jena. Ekka emphasized that actions against all three MLAs, who include one female and two male representatives, were taken under the Anti-Defection Law due to their anti-party conduct. The party, having already suspended these legislators, has filed petitions seeking the annulment of their assembly seats, inspired by a precedent set in the Sharad Yadav case.

The party's decision to act followed an unexpected election outcome where Congress and BJD's cross-voting facilitated a BJP-backed candidate, Dilip Ray, to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. Speaking on behalf of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee Media, Arabinda Das confirmed the suspensions citing serious anti-party activities as the central reason.