Bhubaneswar. Before the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, strictness of discipline is visible in the main opposition party of Odisha, Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The party has issued show cause notices to two MLAs after they remained absent for three consecutive days from the important meeting called by party president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at ‘Naveen Niwas’.
A press release issued by BJD chief whip Pramila Malik said that 82-Baliguda (ST) assembly constituency MLA Chakramani Kanhar and 111-Jaidev (SC) assembly constituency MLA Naba Kishore Malik did not follow the three-line whip (mandatory order) issued by the party. In this whip, he was clearly instructed to be present at Naveen Niwas from 13 to 15 March and attend the training, presentation and legislative party meeting related to the Rajya Sabha elections. The party leadership has expressed deep concern over the continuous absence of these MLAs. This incident has happened at a time when Rajya Sabha elections are to be held on March 16 and five candidates are in the fray for four seats.
BJD has fielded two candidates, Santrupta Mishra and Datteshwar Hota. But the party has the numbers to win only one seat. Therefore, to avoid the possibility of cross-voting, Naveen Patnaik had given strict instructions to the MLAs to stay in Bhubaneswar and attend the meeting. In the notice, both the MLAs have been given the last chance to appear in person at Naveen Niwas till 9 pm on March 15, 2026.
It clearly warns that failure to follow the instructions may result in disciplinary action by the party, which may include suspension or other strict measures. This notice is part of an effort to maintain unity in BJD. Naveen Patnaik had told the MLAs that many MLAs are unfamiliar with the Rajya Sabha voting process, so training is necessary so that votes are not cancelled.
The party has alleged that the BJP is trying to horse-trade and influence the MLAs. On the other hand, Congress has also shifted some of its MLAs to resorts in Bengaluru to prevent cross-voting. Four BJD MLAs, Chakramani Kanhar, Naba Kishore Malik, Manohar Randhari and Souvik Biswal, were absent from the meeting, causing turmoil in the party. –
Read this also – Click to read the news of your state/city before the newspaper.
