Odisha Congress Crisis: MLAs Suspended for Cross-Voting in Rajya Sabha Polls

The Congress party in Odisha is witnessing a significant internal crisis following the suspension of three MLAs who cross-voted in favor of a BJP-backed candidate in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The suspended MLAs are Ramesh Chandra Jena, Dasarathi Gomango, and Sofia Firdous, according to an official party statement.

The state Congress expressed disapproval of the MLAs' actions, describing it as a violation of party discipline and a betrayal to the nation. Arabinda Das, the state Congress media cell chairperson, clarified that after a thorough review, the suspension was deemed necessary due to the detrimental impact on the party's interests.

Congress legislature leader Rama Chandra Kadam has officially urged Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy to begin disqualification proceedings against the three MLAs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, citing their actions as a violation of the party whip and democratic mandate.