BJD suspends six MLAs for cross‑voting in Rajya Sabha polls

March 22, 2026

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has suspended six of its Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) for cross‑voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, a decision that marks a stern response to alleged anti‑party activities. The move reflects rising tensions within the regional party and underscores the leadership’s intent to enforce discipline amid challenging political dynamics in Odisha.

The Rajya Sabha polls, held earlier this week, witnessed unexpected voting behaviour from BJD legislators. Party leadership quickly convened its Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting to deliberate on disciplinary steps.

Six MLAs Suspended for Defying Party Whip

The suspended legislators include Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishore Mallick (Jayadev), Souvic Biswal (Choudwar‑Cuttack), Subasini Jena (Basta), Ramakanta Bhoi (Tirtol), and Devi Ranjan Tripathy (Banki). Party sources said the decision was taken after it was confirmed that they violated the party’s voting direction — a rare and serious breach.

Party president Naveen Patnaik presided over the PAC meeting that approved the suspension. Senior BJD leaders including Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Pranab Prakash Das, Sanjay Das Burma, Sudam Marndi and Tukuni Sahu were present at the meeting.

Cross‑Voting Impact on Rajya Sabha Results

Cross‑voting refers to legislators voting against the official directive or “whip” issued by their party during elections. In this case, the cross‑voting by BJD MLAs helped the BJP‑backed candidate secure an additional vote, which was crucial in a tightly contested Rajya Sabha poll. The outcome has political implications for how regional parties manage internal cohesion when alliances and electoral strategies are shifting.

Sources suggest that two other BJD legislators had already been suspended earlier for unrelated anti‑party activities. The recent disciplinary action is seen as a continuation of efforts to reaffirm party unity.

Party Leadership Emphasises Discipline

In announcing the suspensions, the BJD leadership emphasised that such indiscipline cannot be tolerated, especially at a time when the party is navigating complex political currents. The leadership described the actions of the six MLAs as not only a violation of party directives but also damaging to the collective image and strategic goals of the BJD ahead of future electoral battles.

BJD leaders noted that internal dissent, if unaddressed, could jeopardise the party’s long‑term political standing and weaken its bargaining position at both state and national levels.

Political Repercussions and Future Steps

The suspension order also includes plans to seek formal disqualification of the six MLAs from the Odisha Assembly under relevant anti‑defection provisions, a step that could further alter the state political landscape.

Meanwhile, the affected MLAs have yet to issue formal responses. In similar instances, lawmakers suspended for cross‑voting have challenged party decisions in courts or sought legal remedies, and it remains unclear whether these legislators will pursue such channels. Political observers note this could lead to extended legal and political battles.

Broader Political Impact

The episode highlights the delicate balance regional parties like the BJD must maintain while navigating alliances and electoral strategies, particularly in high‑stakes elections for the Upper House of Parliament. The action against the MLAs sends a message about party discipline but also raises questions about internal dissent and future cohesion as political competition intensifies ahead of national and state elections.