Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhi, has rejected separate petitions filed by both the Congress and BJD parties. These petitions sought the disqualification of 11 MLAs who voted in favor of a candidate supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the Rajya Sabha elections in March.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Speaker Padhi stated that the petitions were dismissed because they lacked sufficient facts as required under Rule 6, Sub-rules 6 and 7.
She further explained that the petitioners failed to submit the necessary affidavits in support of their claims. Additionally, the appendices attached to the petitions were not properly signed and verified.
These requirements are mandated by the Odisha Assembly Members (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1987, specifically Rules 6(6) and 6(7). The application was dismissed under Rule 7(2).
The Speaker noted that the petitions were brief, vague, and baseless, failing to meet the legal requirements for a decision on merit.
The BJD and Congress had demanded the disqualification of the 11 MLAs—eight from BJD, including two suspended members, and three from Congress—who engaged in cross-voting for BJP-supported candidate Dilip Ray, violating the whips issued by both parties.
Opposition parties criticized these MLAs harshly, labeling their actions as a serious breach of discipline and constitutional provisions. These rebel MLAs were also accused of publicly making statements against party leadership.
While the ruling BJP welcomed the decision, opposition parties BJD and Congress condemned it, stating they would explore legal options against the Speaker’s ruling.
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