Congress suspends three Odisha MLAs over cross-voting

The Indian National Congress on Tuesday suspended three of its legislators in Odisha for cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, a move that aided the victory of a BJP-backed Independent candidate.

According to a party statement, the suspended MLAs are Ramesh Chandra Jena of Sanakhemundi, Dasarathi Gomango of Mohana, and Sofia Firdous of Barabati-Cuttack.

The three lawmakers allegedly voted in favour of Dilip Ray, an Independent candidate backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, during the Rajya Sabha polls held on Monday.

The Congress termed the act as a violation of party discipline and took swift action by suspending the MLAs with immediate effect. Party sources said the decision was aimed at sending a strong message against defiance and maintaining internal unity.

Ray’s victory is being seen as a significant political development in the state, highlighting shifting equations and internal dissent within opposition ranks.

Further action against the suspended legislators may be considered after a detailed review, party leaders said.