Odisha Gears Up for New Regional Party in March: Youth from BJD, Congress Unite

Youth-Led Political Initiative Takes Shape

Odisha’s political landscape is poised for a significant reshuffle with the announcement of a new regional party, scheduled to be launched in March 2026. The initiative is being spearheaded by Mohammed Moquim, a former Congress MLA and engineer, who aims to bring together second-generation youth leaders marginalised in both Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

The party intends to focus on grassroots politics and youth engagement, seeking to offer an alternative platform that addresses the frustrations of young leaders, corporators, and influencers sidelined in traditional parties.

Big Youth and Student Convention in January

Plans for the new political outfit kick off with a major youth and student convention in the second week of January in Bhubaneswar. The event will serve as a foundational meeting, garnering support primarily from Odisha’s coastal districts, including Khordha, Nayagarh, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Balasore, and Bhadrak.

The convention is expected to introduce the party’s vision, mobilise key youth leaders, and lay the groundwork for its organisational structure ahead of the March launch.

Moquim Mobilises Marginalised Leaders

Described as the main orchestrator behind the new initiative, Mohammed Moquim is actively rallying young leaders frustrated by limited opportunities in Congress and BJD. The party will reportedly receive indirect support and approval from several senior politicians in Odisha, lending it political credibility even before its official registration.

Inspired by Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party

The party draws inspiration from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) model in Delhi, emphasising people-oriented policies, grassroots engagement, and alternative politics. Interestingly, the party will be named Congress, with registration procedures already underway.

Full details of the party manifesto and broader strategy are expected to be unveiled during the January convention in Bhubaneswar.

A New Opposition Space in Odisha

With the emergence of the BJP in Odisha’s political arena, this youth-led project has the potential to transform the opposition space, offering a vibrant regional alternative. Political observers suggest that the new party could reshape alliances, energise young voters, and redefine the dynamics of Odisha’s political discourse in the coming years.