The Congress party on Wednesday moved a formal petition before the Odisha Assembly Speaker, seeking the disqualification of two of its legislators under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The party alleges that the MLAs violated the anti-defection law by cross-voting in the recently concluded Rajya Sabha biennial elections.
According to party leadership, MLAs Dasharathi Gamango and Sofia Firdous broke ranks by failing to support the Congress-backed candidate, Dr Datteshwar Hota. Reports indicate the duo instead cast their ballots for Dilip Ray, the candidate supported by the BJP.
The disqualification petitions reveal that both legislators had previously been served show-cause notices regarding their public remarks and conduct. It is alleged that even after replying to these notices, they continued to challenge and openly criticise decisions made by the party leadership at both the state and national levels.
The Congress argues that this persistent defiance constitutes “voluntarily giving up membership” under Paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule.
Citing the legal precedent set by the disqualification of veteran politician Sharad Yadav, the party emphasised that a formal resignation is unnecessary for disqualification. They contend that a member’s intent to leave a party can be inferred through actions and statements that directly conflict with the party’s official position.
Labelling the move a “serious breach of discipline” and a constitutional violation, the Congress has requested the termination of their Assembly memberships.
A high-level delegation, led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das, met with Speaker Surama Padhy to submit the memorandum. The group urged the Speaker to initiate immediate proceedings in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The delegation included prominent party figures, including Congress Legislature Party Deputy Leader Ashok Das, Chief Whip S. Rajan Ekka, and MLAs Sagar Das, Pabitra Saunta, and Mangu Khila.
The party has urged the Speaker to initiate necessary proceedings and disqualify the two legislators in accordance with the law.
However, the party has notably not sought the disqualification of Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena, who reportedly voted against the party’s whip.
