TNI Bureau: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has issued show-cause notices to six of its MLAs for violating party directions during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, triggering a fresh political controversy in Odisha.

The notices were issued by Pramila Mallik, Chief Whip (Opposition) in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, following allegations that the legislators voted against the party’s official candidate.

The MLAs who have received the notices include Chakramani Kanhar, Naba Kishore Mallick, Souvic Biswal, Subasini Jena, Ramakanta Bhoi, and Devi Ranjan Tripathy.

According to the notice, the party leadership has taken serious note of their conduct during the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16, 2026. The MLAs are accused of acting in a manner that constitutes a “grave breach of party discipline” and a “betrayal of trust.”

The document further states that evidence of cross-voting was established through the compulsory display of marked ballots to the party’s authorized agent, clearly indicating that they voted for a candidate not supported by the BJD.

Calling the act “gross indiscipline,” the party noted that such conduct violates the core principles of the BJD constitution, which mandates absolute loyalty to collective decisions. The notice also states that the actions of the MLAs could be interpreted as voluntarily giving up their party membership.

The legislators have been asked to submit their explanations within three days, failing which disciplinary action—including suspension and legal proceedings under constitutional provisions—may be initiated against them.

The notice specifies a deadline of 5:00 PM on March 20, 2026, for submitting replies. It also warns that failure to respond satisfactorily will allow the party to proceed ex parte.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions following the Rajya Sabha election results in Odisha, where unexpected voting patterns have raised questions over internal cohesion within the BJD.