Naveen Patnaik accepts resignation of Sasmit Patra amid cross-voting controversy in Rajya Sabha elections.
April 9, 2026: Naveen Patnaik on Thursday accepted the resignation of Sasmit Patra as leader of the Biju Janata Dal parliamentary party in the Rajya Sabha. The move comes in the wake of a setback in the Rajya Sabha elections, where candidate Dutteshwar Hota lost despite backing from multiple opposition parties, triggering a political stir within the party.
The BJD also suspended six MLAs for “anti-party activities,” including cross-voting during the elections. The party’s disciplinary committee said the legislators had violated its core principles after reviewing their responses to showcause notices. The controversy unfolded as the Bharatiya Janata Party secured two seats in Odisha, along with support for independent candidate Dilip Ray, while BJD’s Santrup Mishra managed to win.
Amid the turmoil, Patra had earlier resigned from a parliamentary committee chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, protesting remarks against former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. The developments highlight growing tensions within the BJD following the election outcome, with party leaders also accusing the BJP of engaging in “horse trading.”