Odisha Congress Seeks Disqualification of Rebel MLAs

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has requested the disqualification of two MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law for supporting a BJP-backed candidate against party directives. This move follows a formal petition after cross-voting incidents during the Rajya Sabha elections, sparking charges of party indiscipline.

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has called for the disqualification of two of its MLAs under the Constitution's Anti-Defection Law, citing violations of party directives. The accused MLAs, Sofia Firdous and Dasarathi Gamango, allegedly voted in favor of a BJP-backed Independent during the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

A delegation, led by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, met with Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy to submit a formal petition. According to the OPCC, both MLAs breached party discipline by defying orders to support the opposition's common candidate, Dr. Datteswar Hota, opting instead to back Independent candidate Dilip Ray.

Citing past defection cases, the OPCC highlights both public dissent and new political motives as grounds for disqualification. Firdous, specifically, faced accusations linked to forming a new political platform. The petition further requests altered seating for the suspended MLAs in the Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)