The internal instability of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has clearly come to the fore during the Rajya Sabha elections. After being in power for a long time, signs of disintegration are visible within the party.
Bhubaneswar: The issue of cross voting in the recently held Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha has created a stir in politics. Biju Janata Dal has issued “show cause notices” to six of its MLAs during the Rajya Sabha elections. The party has termed this act of MLAs as betrayal and has sought a clear explanation from them. Voting was held for four seats in the Rajya Sabha elections.
In this election, Bharatiya Janata Party won two seats, BJD got one seat, while BJP supported independent candidate Dilip Rai won one seat. During this process, news of cross voting by some Biju Janata Dal MLAs came to light, due to which dissatisfaction spread among the party leadership.
BJD’s reply: Betrayal and notice
Biju Janata Dal Chief Whip Pramila Malik sent notices to Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda), Naba Kishore Malik (Jaidev), Souvik Viswal (Choudwar-Cuttack), Subasini Jena (Basta), Ramakant Bhoi (Tirtol) and Devi Ranjan Tripathi (Banki), asking them to reply by 5 pm on March 20. The letter made it clear that if a satisfactory response was not received from the MLAs, the party would be free to take unilateral action as per its constitution and rules.
BJD MLA from Tirtol Ramakant Bhoi told a private news channel that he was forcibly removed from his residence and kept in a new residence the night before voting. He said that he was not allowed by the party leaders to leave the residence premises throughout the night. Bhoi also said, “I had made it clear that if I was not allowed to go, I would not vote.”
This statement indicates growing discontent within the party and displeasure of the MLAs. Political experts say that this development highlights the internal tension of Biju Janata Dal.
Congress suspended MLAs
Congress party suspended three of its MLAs due to cross voting in Rajya Sabha elections. These include Ramesh Chandra Jena of Sanakhemundi, Dasharathi Gomango of Mohana and Sophia Firdous of Barabati-Cuttack. State Congress president Bhakta Charan Das said this betrayal is not acceptable and steps will be taken to disqualify him from the assembly under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
This case of cross voting in Rajya Sabha elections gives serious indications for the political stability of the state. Experts believe that questions are being raised regarding discipline and leadership within Biju Janata Dal. At the same time, the strategy of Congress and BJP is also proving important for the change in the politics of the state.
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