Former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim Unveils Odisha Janata Congress, Eyes Upcoming Local Elections
In a significant political development in Bhubaneswar, former MLA Mohammed Moquim formally inaugurated his new regional political entity, the Odisha Janata Congress (OJC), on Wednesday. The party has declared its intention to actively participate in the forthcoming panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for next year, positioning itself as a fresh alternative in the state's political landscape.
Daughter Sofia Firdous Attends Launch, Future Plans Unclear
Adding intrigue to the event, Moquim's daughter, Sofia Firdous—currently a suspended Congress MLA—shared the stage with him. Her presence has ignited widespread speculation regarding her political trajectory, though she remained non-committal when questioned about joining the OJC. "Time will tell," she stated, referring to her next move. Sofia had won the Barabati-Cuttack seat on a Congress ticket but faced suspension for cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha election.
Moquim Criticizes Congress, BJD, and BJP, Advocates for Odia Rights
During the launch, Moquim launched sharp criticisms against the Congress, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He asserted that the OJC would champion Odia rights and address what he perceives as a stagnant political structure in Odisha, despite the regime change in 2024. "After Tamil Nadu, now the Gujarat model is prevalent," he remarked, highlighting his discontent with the current political dynamics.
Moquim, who represented Barabati-Cuttack as a Congress MLA from 2019 to 2024, was expelled from the party several months ago after questioning the competence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing his advancing age. He accused his former party of functioning like an ally of the BJD and cited ideological differences as the reason for his departure. The OJC, he claimed, would pave the way for youth leadership in Odisha, offering a new direction for the state's politics.
Political Context: Shifting Alliances and Reactions
The launch of the OJC occurs amid evolving political equations in Odisha. Recently, the opposition BJD and Congress collaborated to support Independent nominee and urologist Datteswar Hota as their common candidate in the March 16 Rajya Sabha election. Both parties are also exploring an electoral alliance for next year's urban local body and panchayat polls, indicating a potential realignment in state politics.
However, the BJP, BJD, and Congress have downplayed the OJC's prospects. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal commented, "There is no harm in floating a new party. But it will not have any impact on state politics." BJD MLA Arun Kumar Sahoo and Congress spokesperson Prasant Satpathy echoed similar sentiments, asserting that their respective parties would remain unaffected by the new entrant.
As Odisha gears up for the 2025 local elections, the emergence of the Odisha Janata Congress introduces a new variable into the political equation, with Moquim aiming to carve out a niche for regional representation and youth empowerment.
