In a significant political development in Bhubaneswar, expelled Congress politician Mohammed Moquim has announced that his proposed new regional party will prominently feature both "Odisha" and "Congress" in its official name. The former assembly member, who represented Barabati–Cuttack from 2019 to 2024, revealed that consultations are actively underway to finalize the party's title, with several options under consideration.
Party Naming Strategy and Ideological Foundation
Moquim, who was expelled from the Congress party in December after publicly criticizing its leadership, emphasized the strategic reasoning behind the naming approach. "We have already announced that the new party will be formed by March," he stated. "Since it will be an Odisha-based regional party, the state's name will naturally be part of the title. Furthermore, because we remain ideologically committed to secular principles, 'Congress' will also be included in the name."
The businessman-turned-politician elaborated that potential names being discussed include "Odisha Janata Congress," "Odisha Lok Congress," and other variations. "Nothing is finalized yet," Moquim clarified, indicating that the naming process remains fluid as the party's organizational structure takes shape.
Organizational Expansion and Electoral Strategy
Moquim revealed that the organizational groundwork for the new political entity has already commenced. He expressed openness to welcoming leaders from various parties who align with the new party's ideology, noting that many politicians are currently quitting or being removed from their existing affiliations. Following the establishment of its organizational framework, the party plans to chart a comprehensive strategy for upcoming panchayat and urban local body elections across Odisha.
Mixed Political Reactions to Moquim's Initiative
The announcement has generated diverse responses from political circles in Odisha. Former Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Jaydev Jena expressed skepticism about the viability of a new regional party in the current political landscape. "I don't believe a new regional party can survive in Odisha at this juncture," Jena remarked. "Even the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which governed the state for an extended period, maintained dependencies on national parties. It remains challenging for an independent regional party to thrive effectively."
Regarding the proposed inclusion of "Congress" in the party name, Jena asserted it would have minimal impact on the original Congress party's standing in the state.
BJP and BJD Perspectives
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra offered a critical assessment, pointing to historical precedents. "Experiments with regional parties have largely failed in Odisha," he observed. Mohapatra also referenced Moquim's legal challenges, noting that the Orissa High Court had debarred him from contesting elections. "This situation speaks volumes about the future prospects of any party he leads," the BJP spokesperson added.
The legal context includes the Orissa High Court annulling Moquim's 2019 election victory due to his failure to disclose details of criminal cases in his nomination affidavit. Additionally, he was unable to contest the 2024 elections following his conviction in the Odisha Rural Housing and Development Corporation (ORHDC) loan irregularities case.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) spokesperson Lenin Mohanty adopted a more measured stance. "Every individual possesses the freedom to choose their political path and form a party," he acknowledged. However, Mohanty emphasized that the BJD remains the only consistently successful regional party in Odisha since the state's inception in 1936. "The people of Odisha are politically astute and discerning," he concluded, suggesting that electoral success requires more than just organizational formation.
Political Context and Future Implications
Moquim's initiative emerges during a period of political realignment in Odisha, following his expulsion from the Congress party for public criticism of its leadership. His approach of incorporating both regional identity ("Odisha") and ideological association ("Congress") in the party name represents a strategic attempt to bridge local appeal with established political symbolism.
As organizational preparations advance and naming consultations continue, political observers will closely monitor whether this new entity can establish a distinct identity and electoral presence in Odisha's competitive political arena. The coming months will reveal whether Moquim's vision translates into a viable political alternative or becomes another footnote in the state's complex political history.
