Veteran leader Mohammed Moquim has formally positioned his newly formed Odisha Janata Congress (OJC) as a direct challenger to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), signalling a major shift in Odisha’s political dynamics.
Addressing the media, Moquim made it clear that his party aims to fill the opposition space, asserting that both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Indian National Congress are no longer in a position to effectively counter the BJP.
Clarity on Sofia Firdous’ Induction
Speaking on the possible entry of Sofia Firdous into the OJC, Moquim highlighted legal constraints, stating that sitting MLAs cannot switch parties mid-term.
“Sofia is currently with the Congress and cannot join us yet,” he said, adding that his own expulsion from the Congress two months ago has severed all ties with the party. He also noted that Congress corporators are free to take independent decisions, leaving the door open for future alignments.
Aggressive Campaign Roadmap Announced
Moquim unveiled an ambitious political campaign plan to expand OJC’s footprint across Odisha. A major convention is scheduled in Jajpur, expected to draw supporters from seven constituencies.
This will be followed by a series of district-level programs, culminating in a grand rally at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar—a show of strength aimed at consolidating the party’s presence ahead of future elections.
Direct Attack on Rivals
In a sharp political statement, Moquim dismissed both BJD and Congress as weakened forces, asserting that the real contest is between OJC and the BJP.
“Our fight is directly with the party in power. We will emerge as the true alternative, fighting for the issues of the common man,” he declared, projecting confidence in OJC’s growing support base.
Focus on Cuttack and Utkala Dibasa Showdown
Highlighting his stronghold, Moquim pointed to Cuttack as a key battleground. He challenged political observers to wait until Utkala Dibasa to witness where public sentiment truly lies.
With bold claims and an aggressive outreach strategy, the launch of OJC marks the beginning of a new political contest in Odisha, potentially reshaping alliances and voter dynamics in the state.