Bhubaneswar, 17 March (H.S.): The Congress on Tuesday suspended three of its MLAs from Odisha - Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gamang, and Sofia Firdous for allegedly cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16.

The party accused the legislators of defying the official whip and extending support to a BJP-backed candidate, describing the act as a serious breach of party discipline and ideology.

In an official statement, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) said the MLAs acted against party directives and interests, prompting immediate suspension.

The party also indicated that stricter action, including expulsion, could be considered after further review. Confirming the development, Congress media cell president Arabinda Das said the matter is currently under examination by the party leadership.

Earlier, PCC president Bhakta Charan Das had acknowledged the cross-voting incident and stated that it has been reported to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for appropriate action.

Expressing concern over the episode, Das said he was particularly surprised by the conduct of Ramesh Jena, noting that such a move was unexpected. He further asserted that the suspended MLAs would not be permitted to sit with the Congress in the Assembly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda