The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) suspended three MLAs on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gamango, and Sofia Firdous removed from the party. The BJP had a clean sweep, winning all three Rajya Sabha seats.
Why Congress suspends Three Odisha MLAs
Datteswar Ray Hota, who was the common candidate backed by Congress, the BJD, and the Left, lost to Dilip Ray, an Independent supported by the BJP. Eleven MLAs voted for Mr. Ray, going against the directive from both parties.
Expelled from parties over cross voting to opposition
“Congress MLAs Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gamango, and Sofia Firdous voted for the BJP’s candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections. This act of betrayal unexpected from them. We ensure they expelled under the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution,” said OPCC president.
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