Odisha Congress Suspends 3 MLAs For Cross-Voting In RS Elections

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) banned three of its MLAs on Tuesday—Ramesh Chandra Jena (Sanakhemundi), Dasarathi Gamango (Mohana), and Sofia Firdous (Barabati-Cuttack)—for allegedly breaking party discipline during the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16.

According to an official statement published by the OPCC, the MPs contradicted the party’s doctrine by supporting BJP-backed candidates, compromising the Congress’ position. The decision to suspend the three MLAs was made following a thorough examination of their activities, which were deemed damaging to the party’s interests and unity.

The OPCC underlined the importance of preserving party discipline, and any attempt to deviate from the party line or work against its values would be met with strong repercussions. The statement added that the move was necessary to safeguard the organisation’s integrity and ensure cohesive functioning of the Congress legislative wing in the state.