Overview
- BJD president Naveen Patnaik signed an office order removing Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud with immediate effect and sent the order to the Odisha Assembly Speaker.
- Party leaders said the decision followed credible intelligence and accused the legislators of breaching party rules, with a spokesperson labeling them corrupt and traitors.
- Arvind Mohapatra denied any wrongdoing, said he learned of the move from social media, and plans to seek clarification from the leadership.
- Sanatan Mahakud had recently criticized the previous BJD government’s record in Keonjhar and was previously described by Patnaik as leaning toward the BJP.
- With the suspensions, BJD’s tally in the 147-member House falls from 50 to 48, a shift noted as Odisha prepares for April Rajya Sabha contests.