The Odisha Congress has plunged into fresh internal turmoil following the expulsion of former MLA Mohammad Moquim, triggering a sharp exchange of accusations, counter-accusations and public sparring among senior party leaders. The episode has laid bare deep fault lines within the state unit, even as speculation mounts over Moquim’s political future.

PCC Chief Targets Moquim, Questions His Political Standing

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das launched a stinging attack on Moquim after the former legislator wrote a blunt letter to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, criticising the party’s leadership in both Delhi and Odisha.

Downplaying Moquim’s significance in the party, Das questioned his political credentials, describing him as a one-time electoral success. “Who is he? He has won only one Assembly seat. If he wants to leave the party, what can we do?” Das remarked, making it clear that the PCC leadership was unwilling to engage further with Moquim’s criticisms.

Defence of Rahul Gandhi and the Bharat Jodo Yatra

Bhakta Charan Das also strongly defended Rahul Gandhi and the Bharat Jodo Yatra, rejecting Moquim’s attempts to “advise” the Congress leader through letters. Emphasising the scale and effort behind the yatra, Das said it involved immense hard work and commitment, and mocked Moquim for trying to lecture Rahul Gandhi on party strategy.

Swift Expulsion, No Hearing Given

The Congress high command moved swiftly, expelling Mohammad Moquim on Monday on charges of anti-party activities. The decision was taken without giving Moquim an opportunity to present his defence, a move that has since drawn criticism from within the party.

The party’s official line has been that Moquim’s statements and correspondence crossed the red line, damaging the organisation at a time when unity is crucial.

Moquim Hits Back, Cites Rahul’s Own Words

Refusing to stay silent, Moquim defended his actions, invoking Rahul Gandhi’s earlier call for Congress workers to be fearless like “tiger cubs”. He insisted that his letter was meant as constructive criticism, not rebellion.

“I only showed the party its own reflection for its own good. Is that really anti-party?” Moquim asked, expressing anger and disappointment over his expulsion after decades of association with the Congress.

Niranjan Patnaik Backs Moquim, Urges Introspection

Adding to the controversy, former PCC president Niranjan Patnaik publicly supported Moquim, urging the Congress leadership to listen to voices from within if it hopes to revive its fortunes in Odisha. Patnaik warned that silencing senior leaders could further weaken the party in the state.

Congress Counters Allegations, BJP Angle Raised

The Congress, however, has pushed back strongly. A party spokesperson accused Moquim of echoing BJP narratives and deliberately attempting to destabilise the organisation. According to the party, such conduct left it with no option but to take disciplinary action.

What Next for Moquim?

Moquim has made it clear that his political journey is far from over. With his expulsion now official, political circles are buzzing with speculation over his next move—whether he will float a new party, align with another regional force, or make a dramatic switch to the BJP.

As comparisons between Bhakta Charan Das and Mohammad Moquim intensify, the episode has underscored the growing internal challenges facing the Odisha Congress, raising fresh questions about leadership, dissent and the party’s road ahead in the state.

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