5 MPs, including 3 from Congress, cross-vote in Rajya Sabha

The 2026 Rajya Sabha elections in Odisha have triggered a major political controversy after allegations of cross-voting surfaced during the polling process. Reports from the voting venue indicate that at least five legislators from opposition parties allegedly defied their party mandates and voted for rival candidates, creating a political storm and raising questions over party discipline.

Among those accused are three legislators from the Indian National Congress—Ramesh Jena, Dasarathi Gomango and Sofia Firdous—who were alleged to have voted against the official party line. Bhakta Charan Das, president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, expressed deep disappointment over the development and confirmed that the matter has been reported to the All India Congress Committee for further action.

The controversy also spread to the Biju Janata Dal, where two MLAs—Soubhik Biswal and Chakramani Kanhar—came under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in the cross-voting episode. The allegations have intensified political tensions in the state, with rival camps closely watching the outcome of the vote.

Senior BJD leader Pratap Keshari Deb lodged a formal objection with election authorities over the voting process, expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of certain legislators. The silence of the accused MLAs after the polling has further fuelled speculation that the ruling camp may have received unexpected support during the election.