Bhubaneswar, March 22 -- Baliguda's BJD MLA Chakramani Kanhar has rejected his suspension, defending his voting decision in the recent Rajya Sabha elections and asserting that it was made independently and within his rights as a citizen.

Kanhar stated that while he followed the party directive for his first vote, his second vote was cast based on personal judgment. He questioned the issuance of a party whip in Rajya Sabha elections and maintained that his action was lawful.

"We do not accept the suspension made by the party. I am a citizen, and I have the right to vote. I voted after much deliberation. I had voted as per the party's directives and gave my second vote to an independent candidate," Kanhar said.

Rejecting allegations of d...