NewKerala.com

Odisha Congress Seeks Disqualification of 3 MLAs for Cross-Voting in RS Polls

The Congress Legislature Party in Odisha has petitioned the Assembly Speaker to disqualify three of its MLAs for cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha polls. CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam alleges that the MLAs violated the party whip, an act constituting defection under the Constitution. The three legislators have already been suspended from the party by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee for anti-party activities. Kadam has urged the Speaker to take swift action to uphold legislative sanctity and has also requested a change in their seating arrangements in the house.

Key Points: Odisha Congress Moves to Disqualify 3 MLAs for Cross-Voting

  • Petition filed under Anti-Defection Law
  • MLAs defied official party whip
  • OPCC already suspended the three
  • Seeks change in seating arrangement
2 min read

Odisha Congress moves to disqualify 3 MLAs for cross-voting during RS polls

Congress petitions Odisha Speaker to disqualify 3 MLAs under anti-defection law for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections. Details inside.

"In view of the above, I hereby petition... to initiate appropriate proceedings for disqualification - Rama Chandra Kadam"

Bhubaneswar, March 17

The Congress Legislature Party in Odisha on Tuesday submitted a petition before the Speaker of the State Assembly, Surama Padhy, seeking to disqualify three of the party's legislators under the Anti-Defection Law for allegedly cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha polls on Monday for four seats from Odisha.

In a petition addressed to the Speaker, CLP leader Rama Chandra Kadam alleged that Mohana MLA Dasarathi Gomango, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous, and Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena had indulged in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16.

The petition states that the three MLAs defied the official party whip, an act that constitutes defection under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Kadam argued that their conduct undermines party discipline and violates the democratic mandate under which they were elected. The CLP leader has urged the Speaker to initiate proceedings for their disqualification from the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

"In view of the above, I hereby petition before the Hon'ble Speaker, through your good office, to kindly take cognizance of the matter and initiate appropriate proceedings for disqualification of the aforesaid Members from the membership of the Odisha Legislative Assembly under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law," urged Kadam.

The CLP leader also shared relevant documents and evidence about the issuance of the party whip and details of voting, along with his petition for the Speaker's perusal and necessary action.

Kadam emphasized that swift action is necessary to uphold the sanctity of the legislature and ensure adherence to constitutional provisions.

Notably, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee had earlier on Tuesday suspended Firdous, Jena, and Gomango from the party for anti-party activities on account of their alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha polling.

The CLP leader, Kadam, also urged the Assembly Speaker on Tuesday to change the seating arrangements for the three MLAs in the house, as they are no longer members of the CLP following their suspension from the party.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Very sad to see this happening in Odisha. These MLAs should remember the people who voted for Congress, not for them personally. If they wanted to vote differently, they should have resigned first. This sets a bad example.
S
Suresh O
While cross-voting is wrong, one has to ask why these MLAs felt compelled to do it. Is there something wrong within the state Congress leadership? Internal party democracy is also important. Just my two paise.
A
Ashley H
Following this from abroad. The Anti-Defection Law is a crucial feature of Indian democracy to prevent horse-trading. Hope due process is followed and the rule of law prevails.
K
Karthik V
Typical political drama before elections. Suspended from the party and now a petition for disqualification. The Speaker's decision will be very interesting. Will it be based purely on law or political calculations? 🤔
M
Meera T
As a voter from Odisha, I feel cheated. We elect representatives hoping they will uphold the party's values. This cross-voting shows a lack of integrity. Hope the law takes its course. Jai Hind!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50