Is Odisha Congress Leadership Under Fire from Mohammed Moquim?
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Synopsis
In a recent letter to Sonia Gandhi, former MLA Mohammed Moquim raises serious concerns about the leadership of OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das. This internal strife highlights the ongoing challenges within the Odisha Congress as it faces significant electoral setbacks.
Key Takeaways
- Internal conflict is intensifying within Odisha Congress.
- Mohammed Moquim criticizes OPCC leadership effectiveness.
- Party faces six consecutive electoral losses.
- Grassroots workers express feelings of confusion and demoralization.
- Push for a separate Kosal State adds to unrest.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 10 (NationPress) The internal conflict within Odisha Congress has resurfaced as prominent party figure Mohammed Moquim has voiced serious concerns regarding the leadership of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das in a letter addressed to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
Moquim, a former MLA and father of the current Cuttack-Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous, expressed his discontent in a letter dated December 8, highlighting that the party has endured six consecutive losses in Odisha, along with three significant defeats on the national stage, which he finds alarming and disheartening for dedicated party members.
He wrote, “A succession of misguided decisions, flawed leadership selections, and the persistent concentration of authority in inappropriate hands has significantly weakened the Party from within. Instead of addressing these issues, we seem to be repeating them, leading to visible consequences across the nation.”
Moquim further scrutinized the central leadership's decisions, claiming that party members at all levels—booth, block, district, and state—are feeling demoralized and emotionally drained due to recurring defeats and the diminishing presence of the party.
He expressed skepticism regarding Sarat Pattanaik's appointment as OPCC President, especially after 18 senior leaders from Odisha were called to Delhi in 2023.
“Having lost six consecutive Lok Sabha elections, sometimes even forfeiting his deposit, this appointment has undermined morale across the board. During his leadership, the 2024 elections recorded the lowest vote share in our history—merely 13 percent. He again lost his own election, forfeiting his deposit once more,” Moquim alleged.
He did not spare current OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das either, criticizing his poor electoral track record and conflicting ideologies with the Congress party.
Moquim pointed out that Das, who took over as OPCC President in 2025, has faced three consecutive electoral defeats and has aligned with a political ideology that traditionally opposes Congress. He also recalled Das's previous criticisms of the Gandhi family during the JP movement.
The former MLA's and his son's vocal support for a separate Kosal State has also sparked significant unrest among party members.
“Under his leadership, the Congress suffered a staggering loss by nearly 83,000 votes in the Nuapada by-election, which was part of his own parliamentary segment. When a leader fails to gain trust in their own constituency, it naturally leads to diminished confidence among workers and raises concerns about their ability to lead the Party in Odisha,” Moquim stated.
He claimed that countless grassroots workers are now left feeling confused, disheartened, and lacking direction.
Moquim also noted an increasing disconnect between grassroots members and the party leadership, stating that he has been unable to meet Rahul Gandhi for nearly three years.
Point of View
The ongoing disputes within the Odisha Congress reflect broader challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity and direction amidst electoral pressures. The dissatisfaction expressed by leaders like Mohammed Moquim signals a critical juncture that could influence the party's future strategies and electoral performance.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern raised by Mohammed Moquim?
Mohammed Moquim questions the leadership of OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das due to the party's continuous electoral losses.
How many electoral defeats has the Congress faced in Odisha?
The Congress party has faced six consecutive electoral defeats in Odisha.
What impact has Bhakta Charan Das had on party morale?
Bhakta Charan Das's leadership has reportedly weakened party morale, resulting in disillusionment among grassroots workers.
What is the significance of a separate Kosal State?
The push for a separate Kosal State by Moquim and his son has created unrest within the Congress party, indicating ideological divisions.
How has the leadership crisis affected party workers?
Many party workers feel confused, demoralized, and directionless due to the ongoing leadership crisis.
