World · India Bureau
Odisha High Court summons BJD MLAs over alleged cross-voting in RS election
Justice MS Sahoo has directed five suspended Biju Janata Dal legislators to respond to allegations of cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha polls. The court has set December 4 as the deadline for the MLAs to file their replies.
LSN India ·
The Odisha High Court has issued notices to five suspended Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs, seeking their response to charges of alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election. Justice MS Sahoo directed legislators Arvind Mohapatra, Sanatan Mahakud, Chakramani Kanhar, Souvic Biswal, and Subasini Jena to file their replies by December 4.
The summons comes amid controversy over voting patterns during the Upper House election, where the MLAs' conduct has drawn scrutiny from party leadership and opposition parties alike. The High Court's intervention marks an escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding the matter.
The five lawmakers had been suspended from their respective positions prior to the court's notice, signaling serious concerns about their electoral conduct. The December 4 deadline will provide the legislators an opportunity to present their case before the court, which will determine the next course of action in the matter.
The case reflects ongoing tensions within Odisha's political landscape and raises questions about party discipline and voting protocols during legislative elections. The outcome of the court proceedings could have implications for similar electoral controversies in the state.