Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has escalated disciplinary action against party MLA Dasarathi Gamanga amid heightened tensions over the crucial biennial Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16.
In a strongly worded show-cause notice issued by the OPCC’s discipline committee, Gamanga has been accused of deliberately going into hiding at a critical juncture, raising suspicions of potential cross-voting or defection that could undermine the party’s strategic alliance.
The notice highlights that since March 8, 2026, OPCC President, AICC Odisha in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, and Congress Legislature Party Leader Ramachandra Kadam have repeatedly failed to contact the MLA despite numerous phone calls and visits to his Bhubaneswar residence and village home.
No reports of kidnapping or coercion from relatives have surfaced, leading the committee to conclude that Gamanga has voluntarily distanced himself from party duties. This absence, the notice states, is sending “the wrong message” to the public and fueling panic, especially as Congress has aligned with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and CPI(M) to back independent candidate Dr. Datteswar Hota for one of the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats.
Gamanga has been directed to appear in person at the party office by 6 pm on Sunday, to explain his conduct and show cause why no disciplinary action should be taken. Failure to comply or provide a satisfactory response will trigger appropriate measures.
