Bhubaneswar, 15 March (H.S.): The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has issued a show-cause notice to party MLA Dasarathi Gamanga, intensifying internal disciplinary action ahead of the biennial Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.

According to the notice issued by the OPCC disciplinary committee, Gamanga has been accused of remaining unreachable during a crucial period, raising concerns within the party regarding possible cross-voting or defection. The committee stated that his absence has created uncertainty at a time when the party is engaged in strategic political coordination.

The notice further mentioned that since March 8, 2026, OPCC President, AICC Odisha in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, and Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramachandra Kadam have made repeated attempts to contact the MLA. Despite several phone calls and visits to his residence in Bhubaneswar as well as his native village, he reportedly remained unavailable.

The committee noted that no reports of abduction or coercion have surfaced from his family members, leading it to conclude that the MLA may have voluntarily distanced himself from party responsibilities. The notice warned that such conduct could send a “wrong message” to the public and create confusion within the party, particularly in the context of the ongoing Rajya Sabha election strategy.

The Congress party has aligned with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) to support independent candidate Datteswar Hota for one of the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha.

Gamanga has been directed to appear in person at the party office by 6:00 PM on Sunday to explain his conduct and submit a formal response. The notice states that failure to comply or provide a satisfactory explanation will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda