The suspected cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections has sparked a huge political uproar in Odisha, with both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) experiencing internal disagreement.
The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) took fast action against its MPs who defied the party whip. PCC President Bhakta Charan Das suspended three party MLAs, Ramesh Jena, Sofia Firdous, and Dasarathi Gamang, for voting against the party's official position. The move is being interpreted as a strong disciplinary signal from Congress leadership.

On the other hand, the ruling BJD has yet to take any immediate disciplinary action against its legislators accused of cross-voting. Instead, the party has served show-cause notices to six MLAs: Souvic Biswal, Debi Ranjan Tripathy, Subasini Jena, Chakramani Kanhar, Ramakanta Bhoi, and Naba Kishore Mallick.
The notifications were given by BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, who asked MPs to explain why they voted against the party's decision. They have been asked to respond within three days, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on March 20.
The two parties' contrasting answers have ignited a statewide political discussion. While the Congress has decided to take urgent disciplinary action, doubts have been raised about the BJD leadership's delay.

The cross-voting incident has heightened political tensions in Odisha, with the focus now on whether the BJD will take stronger action against the dissenting MLAs after examining their comments.