Congress suspends MLA for not obeying whip

The Congress MLA from Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district, Shivaji Majhi was today suspended from the party for not abiding by a party whip meant for Rajya Sabha election held last year. The PCC has hinted that another two MLAs may face similar action soon.

The suspension of Majhi has been approved by the party high command. Recently an audio tape was released to the media by unidentified persons containing conversation between a BJD minister and some mediators on payment of bribes to the Congress MLAs to buy their support for the third candidate of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the RS polls.

 

“We have suspended Shivaji Majhi on the basis of material evidence. Another MLA, who was absent that day and one more MLA, whose vote was canceled may also be suspended as well,” said Arya Kumar Gyanendra, spokesperson for state congress.

Majhi had been under the party scanner ever since his alleged involvement in horse trading to help the BJD candidate win the election.

The suspended MLA denied the charge, saying he could not attend the voting process last year because of ill-health.

Shivaji Majhi and Gregory Minz, both from the Congress had abstained from voting in the RS polls last year .