TNI Bureau: The Congress has moved the Odisha Assembly Speaker seeking the disqualification of two of its MLAs for alleged cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha elections.

The party has accused MLAs Dasarathi Gamango and Sofia Firdous of defying the party whip by voting in favour of BJP-backed candidate Dilip Ray instead of supporting the Congress-backed nominee, Dr. Datteshwar Hota. The Congress termed the act a “gross violation” of party discipline as well as a breach of constitutional provisions governing anti-defection.

Taking serious note of the incident, a Congress delegation led by the PCC President met Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and submitted a formal petition seeking action under constitutional provisions. The delegation included Congress Legislature Party Deputy Leader Ashok Das, Chief Whip S. Rajan Ekka, and MLAs Sagar Das, Pabitra Saunta, and Mangu Khilla.

The party has urged the Speaker to initiate proceedings and disqualify the two MLAs in accordance with the law.

Surprisingly, the party has changed its stand and did not recommend any action against Ramesh Jena today although it had included him in yesterday’s letter to the Speaker.