Political Turmoil in Odisha: BJD Suspends 6 MLAs Over Cross-Voting

The BJD has suspended six MLAs for engaging in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections. The party has termed this an act of indiscipline and has also initiated preparations for legal action, thereby heating up the political atmosphere in Odisha.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 22 March 2026, 6:00 AM IST

6 BJD MLAs Suspended for Defying Party Whip (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: A major development has unfolded in the politics of Odisha. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has, with immediate effect, suspended six of its MLAs who defied the party line during the Rajya Sabha elections.

Why Was Action Taken?

According to the party, these MLAs engaged in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections and violated the party whip. The BJD asserts that such actions run counter to the party's rules and discipline; hence, strict measures were deemed necessary.

Which MLAs Faced the Axe?

The six MLAs who have been suspended are: Chakramani Kanhar, Naba Kishore Mallick, Souvik Biswal, Subhasini Jena, Ramakanta Bhoi, and Devi Ranjan Tripathy.

Prior Action Had Also Been Taken

Prior to this incident, the BJD had also suspended Aravinda Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud on charges of anti-party activities. Including these two, a total of eight MLAs voted against the party's directives.

In Whose Favor Was the Cross-Voting Cast?

During the Rajya Sabha elections, these MLAs cast their votes in favor of Dilip Ray—an independent candidate backed by the BJP—even though the party had issued a whip mandating that they vote for its own official candidates.

Impact on the Party's Strength

Following these suspensions, the BJD's tally of MLAs in the Odisha Legislative Assembly has dropped to 42. The party had won 51 seats in the 2024 elections, but its numerical strength has gradually diminished over time.

Preparing for a Legal Battle

The BJD is now also gearing up to wage a legal battle regarding this matter. The party has raised questions concerning certain decisions made by the Election Commission and may potentially seek the disqualification of these MLAs.

This episode could trigger a significant shift in the political landscape of Odisha. The BJD's uncompromising stance against breaches of party discipline is clearly evident, suggesting that further political turbulence is likely to ensue.