Deputy leader Ashok Kumar Das filed a police complaint detailing how intruders from Odisha breached security on March 15. They dangled promises of crores per MLA to sway their votes, even offering a blank cheque as bait. Rejection led to ugly threats of murder back home and verbal abuse, prompting swift police action.

Bengaluru South SP R. Srinivas Gowda revealed that two suspects are now in custody, with an FIR in the works after initial inquiries. ‘The matter is serious, and we’re acting decisively,’ he assured. This preemptive relocation to Karnataka reflects Congress’s calculated move to counter cross-voting risks in the March 16 polls.

Party insiders say the decision stemmed from urgent strategy sessions, keeping the MLAs sequestered until the last moment. They’ll fly back to Odisha mere hours before polling stations open. The scandal has ignited debates on electoral malpractices, with opposition parties quick to politicize the event.

With the election battle intensifying, such resort confinements have become a staple of high-stakes Indian democracy. Enhanced police presence now surrounds the resort, as investigators hunt for the remaining accused. This brazen bid exposes the underbelly of vote-buying, raising urgent calls for stricter enforcement.

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.

Over decades, Lenka navigated the corridors of power with distinction. He shouldered vital responsibilities in Odisha’s assembly and India’s Parliament, always prioritizing the people’s needs.

Elected as MP from Odisha between 1988 and 1994, he served as Minister of State in the Agriculture and Railways ministries from 1991 to 1994. Colleagues recall his pragmatic approach and steady hand in governance.

A multiple-term MLA from Choudwar constituency, Lenka’s assembly service stretched from 1971 to 2000, cementing his influence in state politics.

Tributes poured in from all quarters. CM Mohan Charan Majhi posted on X: ‘Deeply shocked by the demise of veteran leader Kanhu Charan Lenka. Condolences to his family; prayers for his soul’s peace.’

Congress state chief Bhakta Charan Das and BJD president Naveen Patnaik joined in mourning. Patnaik hailed Lenka’s lifelong dedication to service and progress, noting that his contributions would endure in memory.

As flags fly at half-mast, Lenka’s journey from grassroots leader to national figure stands as a testament to perseverance. Odisha’s development owes much to his vision, ensuring his name echoes in political annals.

[MLA1] and [MLA2], both long-time party members, now find themselves on the sidelines. Their suspension letters cite ‘consistent involvement in activities against party directives,’ a clear message from the top brass.

Coming just months after BJD’s electoral setback, this move is seen as Patnaik’s strategy to clean house. The party grappled with voter backlash in the last elections, losing its stronghold. Whispers of factionalism had been growing louder, prompting this preemptive strike.

Eyewitness accounts from party meetings describe heated exchanges where the MLAs reportedly challenged leadership decisions publicly. ‘Loyalty is non-negotiable,’ Patnaik is believed to have stated, reinforcing his authority.

Rivals are watching closely. BJP leaders have mocked the suspensions as evidence of BJD’s crumbling foundation, while Congress eyes potential defections. For the suspended MLAs, the road ahead looks uncertain—appeals seem unlikely to succeed under Patnaik’s regime.

As Odisha braces for more political maneuvering, this episode highlights the high stakes within BJD. Patnaik’s decisive leadership could either rally the troops or expose deeper fractures, making it a pivotal moment for the party’s revival.

Details emerging from party headquarters paint a picture of calculated rebellion. The MLAs allegedly fraternized with rivals and aired grievances publicly, eroding BJD’s cohesive front. Despite internal counseling sessions, their behavior persisted, leading to this expulsion. Patnaik’s swift action has been praised by loyalists as essential for maintaining electoral focus.

This isn’t the first time BJD has wielded the suspension axe. Historically, such measures have weeded out troublemakers and bolstered the party’s resilience. Critics, however, question if this reflects deeper fractures within the organization post its 2024 assembly setback. The coming months will test whether this purge revitalizes or reveals more vulnerabilities.

As Odisha gears up for future polls, Patnaik’s maneuver positions BJD as a disciplined machine. The suspended leaders’ next moves—be it independent bids or rival defections—could reshape local dynamics. For now, the message from Naveen Niwas is unequivocal: toe the line or face the exit.

Sarangi has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure strict action against those responsible for the assault to prevent similar incidents in the future. She acknowledged knowing some of the individuals involved but emphasized that the BJP’s ideology does not condone such behavior. Following the incident, the police have arrested three individuals.

The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association initially planned a mass leave protest but postponed it after a meeting with Chief Minister Majhi. The Chief Minister assured the association that the culprits would be punished. The incident has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the attack. Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and former Odisha Chief Minister, expressed shock at the assault and called for immediate action against the perpetrators and any political figures involved. He criticized the incident, stating that it occurred in broad daylight within the capital city and questioned the state government’s ability to maintain law and order.

The regional party has also announced the names of its State Office Bearers, entrusting the responsibilities to 71 party leaders.

As many as 15 leaders have been appointed as vice presidents of the party, including seven senior vice presidents, who include Debi Prasad Mishra, Prafulla Samal, Usha Devi, Bikram Keshari Arukh, Pramila Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, and Chandra Sekhar Sahu.

Similarly, 20 leaders have been appointed as senior general secretaries of the party.

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik has appointed 35 leaders as the party’s general secretary. Senior leader Subash Singh has been appointed as Treasurer of the party.

The principal opposition party in the state also constituted the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party. Party supremo Naveen Patnaik will act as the Chairman of PAC, which also comprises senior leaders Bikram Keshari Arukh, Pramila Mallick, Niranjan Pujari, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, Pranab Prakash Das, Sudam Marndi, Tukuni Sahu Sasmit Patra, and Dr. Santrupt Mısra as its members.

The party president has also appointed former Hockey India captain Dilip Tirkey as the convener of BJD’s revamped minority cell. Rizwana Begum has been appointed as the Co-convenor of the BJD minority cell.

Meanwhile, Muzibulla Khan, Ayub Khan, and Sk Nizamuddin have been appointed as Co-ordinators of the minority cell for South Zone, Western Zone, and Central Zone, respectively.

The regional party entrusted several senior leaders with responsibilities to lead various frontal wings and cells of the party. Veteran BJD leader Prasanna Acharya has been appointed as the convenor for Biju Krushak Janata Dal. Senior leaders Ananga Udaya Singh Deo, Ranendra Pratap Swain, Badri Narayan Patra, and Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik have been appointed as convenor for the party’s Regional Development Cell, Co-operative Cell, Sikhya o Sikhyaka Cell, and Fishermen Cell, respectively.

Party heavyweight Arun Kumar Sahoo has been appointed as the convener of BJD’s OBC cell.

The BJD also appointed party presidents for six districts, where the names have not been announced yet.