Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Monday dismissed petitions filed by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the opposition Congress seeking disqualification of 11 MLAs for cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The Speaker ruled that the allegations did not meet the constitutional threshold for disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Speaker's Decision on Disqualification Pleas
The BJD had sought disqualification of 10 of its MLAs who allegedly voted in favor of the Congress candidate during the June 19 Rajya Sabha polls. The Congress, in a separate petition, demanded disqualification of three of its MLAs—Sofia Firdous (Barabati-Cuttack), Ramesh Jena (Sanakhemindu), and Dasarath Gamag (Moihana)—for cross-voting. However, the Speaker found no conclusive evidence of defection as defined under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Details of the Cross-Voting Incident
During the Rajya Sabha election for two seats from Odisha, the BJD fielded two candidates, but one of its MLAs cross-voted, leading to the defeat of the party's second candidate. The Congress candidate secured victory with the support of cross-voters. According to sources, the BJD's petition listed 10 MLAs, while the Congress named three. The Speaker's order stated that the MLAs had not voluntarily given up party membership or acted against party directives in a manner warranting disqualification.
Legal and Political Implications
The decision has significant political ramifications in Odisha. BJD spokesperson Pradeep Panigrahi expressed disappointment, stating, "We respect the Speaker's decision but believe the cross-voting undermined party discipline." Congress leader Suresh Routray said, "The Speaker's order is a setback for democratic accountability." Political analysts note that the ruling avoids a potential by-election in multiple constituencies but raises questions about party loyalty ahead of the 2026 state elections.
