Congress Faces Major Setback in Odisha as 41 Supporters Resign Following Moquim's Expulsion
In a dramatic political development that has sent shockwaves through the Odisha Congress, more than 40 supporters of former MLA and Congress leader Mohammed Moquim have resigned from the party. This mass resignation comes just over a month after Moquim himself was expelled from the Congress, highlighting deepening internal strife within the state unit.
A Calculated Political Move
According to leaders closely associated with Moquim, the timing of these resignations was deliberately chosen to demonstrate significant political strength. The coordinated action on Saturday was not a spontaneous reaction but rather a well-planned maneuver aimed at sending a clear message to the party leadership about the discontent brewing at the grassroots level.
Moquim has recently indicated his intentions to float a new political party, and this mass exodus of supporters appears to be the first concrete step toward that goal. The resignations included prominent figures such as the former secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), several spokespersons, multiple block chairmen, and numerous youth and student leaders.
Congress Downplays the Impact
Despite the scale of the resignations, the Congress party has attempted to downplay the significance of this development. Party representatives claimed that these resignations were anticipated and would not impact the organization's overall strength in Odisha. However, the departure of senior leaders along with their supporters has undeniably created fresh turmoil and disorder within the party ranks.
Earlier on Saturday, those who resigned expressed their frustration with what they described as arbitrary decision-making within the party. They specifically criticized the functioning of the leadership and the circumstances surrounding Moquim's expulsion, which they viewed as unjust and politically motivated.
The Root Cause: Emotional Disconnect
The controversy traces back to Moquim's expulsion, which followed a letter he sent to the All India Congress Committee (AICC). In that communication, the former MLA made a startling revelation: he had been unable to meet Rahul Gandhi for nearly three years despite serving as an elected representative.
Moquim emphasized that this was not merely a personal grievance but reflected a wider emotional disconnect felt by party workers across India. His allegations pointed to deeper systemic issues within the Congress organization, where grassroots leaders feel increasingly alienated from the central leadership.
Despite repeated attempts to reach him for comment, Moquim remained unavailable following the resignations. Similarly, senior Congress functionaries declined to comment on the latest developments, suggesting the party is still assessing the full implications of this political rebellion.
This mass resignation represents one of the most significant challenges to the Congress party in Odisha in recent months and could potentially reshape the political landscape in the state as Moquim moves forward with his plans to establish a new political entity.
