On Tuesday, the main opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) issued show-cause notices to six of its legislators for violating party directives by voting for a BJP-backed independent candidate in the recently concluded Odisha Rajya Sabha elections for four seats from the state.
BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik issued these notices to Baliguda MLA Chakramani Kanhar, Jayadev MLA Naba Kishore Mallick, Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal, Basta MLA Subasini Jena, Tirtol MLA Dr Ramakanta Bhoi, and Banki MLA Devi Ranjan Tripathy.
Mallik asserted that despite their election under the BJD banner, the legislators’ conduct during Monday’s polls represented a severe breach of discipline and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the party.
She further noted that the MLAs disregarded specific party instructions and the collective resolution reached during the BJD Legislature Party meeting on March 15. Their actions were described as a violation of the Biju Janata Dal Constitution, which demands absolute loyalty to party decisions.
“It stands conclusively established that you voted against the above-mentioned direction, for a candidate not supported by the Biju Janata Dal. The same is evidenced by your compulsory display of the marked ballot to the authorised agent of the party on 16th March, 2026, thereby placing the manner of your voting beyond dispute,” said Mallik.
The senior leader emphasised that such behaviour amounts to gross indiscipline and prejudicial conduct, effectively suggesting a voluntary relinquishment of their party membership.
“You are therefore called upon to show cause within 3 days of issuance of this notice as to why a disciplinary action should not be initiated against you, including suspension from the Biju Janata Dal; and appropriate legal and constitutional proceedings should not be initiated on the ground that by your conduct you have voluntarily given up the membership of the Biju Janata Dal,” reads the notice.
Mallik warned that if a satisfactory explanation is not provided by 5 p.m. on March 20, the BJD may proceed ex parte and take appropriate legal and constitutional action according to party rules.
Notably, a total of 11 legislators—including eight from the BJD (two of whom were already suspended) and three from the Congress—cross-voted during Monday’s biennial elections, leading to the victory of BJP-backed candidate Dilip Ray.
