Tensions are rising within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as Odisha gears up for Rajya Sabha elections on March 16. The party has slapped show-cause notices on two MLAs—Chakramani Kanhar (Baliguda-ST) and Naba Kishore Malik (Jaydev-SC)—for repeatedly ignoring summons from Naveen Patnaik. The former CM convened critical strategy sessions at Naveen Niwas from March 13-15, issuing a strict three-line whip.
Chief Whip Pramila Malik’s statement details the breach: the MLAs skipped training and legislative party meetings essential for the polls. BJD is contesting four seats with candidates Santrupti Mishra and Datteshwar Hota, but its strength supports only one victory. To counter cross-voting risks, Patnaik ordered all legislators to remain in the capital.
The notices demand personal appearance by 9 PM on March 15, 2026 (possibly 2024), threatening suspension or worse. This action reflects the party’s proactive discipline drive, with Patnaik stressing the need for vote procedural awareness among MLAs. Accusations fly that BJP is attempting to lure defectors.
Four MLAs total absented themselves: Kanhar, Malik, Manohar Randhari, and Souvik Biswal, prompting internal ripples. Echoing the strategy, Congress has herded its MLAs into a secure Bengaluru resort. BJD’s measures highlight the cutthroat politics of Rajya Sabha battles, where loyalty is paramount.
With elections hours away, this episode reveals the high wire BJD walks—balancing internal cohesion against external pressures. A united front could secure their seat, but any defection might reshape Odisha’s upper house dynamics.