Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has intensified its action against eight of its legislators, seeking their disqualification from the Odisha Assembly on charges of anti-party activities and defiance of the party whip.

Senior party leader and Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik said she has written to the Speaker demanding strict action against the eight MLAs. According to her, the legislators have acted against the party’s interests and no longer deserve to remain in the party. She added that they should either resign from their Assembly membership or face removal.

Mallik also challenged them to contest by-elections if they claim to have public support.

Echoing the demand, BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo said party legislators met the Speaker and formally urged the disqualification of the eight MLAs. He alleged that the lawmakers not only defied the party whip but also voluntarily distanced themselves from the party.

Sahu said legal and constitutional experts were consulted before making the demand. Based on these consultations, the party believes that legislators who act against party leadership and the constitution can be disqualified. He pointed out that the eight MLAs allegedly voted for another candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, despite clear party instructions.

The BJD had issued a whip two days before the election, directing its MLAs to remain at the party headquarters and attend the official meeting. However, the accused legislators failed to comply.

Sahu cited past instances, including the disqualification of Sharad Yadav from the Rajya Sabha in 2017 and similar action against MLAs in Himachal Pradesh, to support the party’s stand. He argued that publicly opposing party leadership amounts to voluntarily leaving the party.

Referring to constitutional provisions, Sahu said action can be taken under Article 191 read with the Tenth Schedule, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection.

The matter has now been placed before the Speaker for a decision.