Internal strife within the Odisha Congress continues as AICC member Mohammed Moquim has filed a complaint against PCC President Bhakta Charan Das, accusing him of making politically motivated statements and denouncing some leaders as “Vibhishana” (traitors) following the party’s poor performance in the Nuapada by-polls.

Complaint Against PCC Chief

In a letter to state disciplinary committee chairperson Sujit Padhi, Moquim charged that Das had refused to accept moral responsibility for the by-poll defeat—where Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi lost by over 83,000 votes to the BJP winner—and victimised loyal workers without evidence.

Moquim claimed that some media reports named him as a saboteur, which he described as “baseless, fabricated and party-damaging”. He demanded strict action against Das under the party constitution for anti-party activities.

Disciplinary Committee Responds

Reacting to the complaint, Sujit Padhi rejected the allegations, asserting that Bhakta Das had spoken in general terms about internal sabotage and did not name any individual. An inquiry has been initiated, and the response has been communicated to Moquim. The committee clarified that complaints against the PCC chief fall under the domain of the AICC.

Support for Moquim

Former PCC president Jaydev Jena backed Moquim, calling him a man dedicated to brotherhood and party unity, and stated that such controversies should not be dragged against him.

Ghasiram Majhi, the defeated candidate, also echoed concerns, accusing the party of deliberate rigging and “Jaichand-like” betrayal, while pledging to work toward strengthening the party.

Upcoming Review Meeting Adds Pressure

The ongoing infighting has raised concerns ahead of a review meeting scheduled on November 23, where Bhakta Das will meet with the AICC in-charge to discuss the party’s current status and potentially face reprimands over internal issues.

The post Vibhishana Storm in Odisha Congress: Moquim Hits Back at Bhakta Das Over Nuapada Defeat Blame appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Odisha Congress has alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit to Nuapada ahead of the upcoming by-election is strategically aimed at ensuring the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan, senior Congress leader and former PCC president Jaydev Jena claimed that the so-called contest in Nuapada may appear three-cornered, but in reality, it is a two-way fight — with the BJD and BJP joining hands against the Congress.

Jena stated that for 24 years, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had “completely forgotten Nuapada,” but has suddenly remembered the district due to the bypoll. “The charm of Naveen Patnaik is gone. The people of Odisha have seen through the BJD’s deceit,” he said.

According to Jena, the real election strategy was decided in New Delhi through an understanding between Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and BJD’s top strategist V.K. Pandian. “It was decided that the BJD would field a non-local candidate to split the anti-BJP vote, while Vaishnaw and Pandian would ensure the BJP candidate’s victory. Naveen’s visit is only a show to convince people that BJD and BJP are not working together,” Jena alleged.

He further said, “On one side are Ashwini Vaishnaw, V.K. Pandian, Naveen Patnaik, Manmohan Samal, and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi; on the other is the Congress, fighting alone but with the strength of the people.”

Jena recalled that even when the BJD-BJP coalition government was in power and Naveen was at his political peak, the Congress had managed to win the Talsara and Laxmipur by-elections. “This time too, Ghasi Ram Majhi will win in Nuapada,” he asserted, adding that while the Congress may lack financial muscle, it has “enormous people power.”

Deal Struck in Delhi, Says Debashish Nayak
Speaking at the same press conference, former minister Debashish Nayak alleged that a deal regarding the Nuapada by-election had already been finalized in New Delhi long ago. “The BJD is only pretending to contest the election. Their campaign is just a performance to secure a respectable vote share,” Nayak said.

In contrast, he added, the Congress has nominated a popular local tribal leader as its candidate and is contesting the election on the issues of social justice and collective development.

Senior Congress spokesperson Manoranjan Dash also attended the press conference.

The post Naveen’s Nuapada Visit Aimed at Ensuring BJP Victory, Claims Congress appeared first on Odisha Connect.