Congress Expels Mohammed Moquim After Letter to Sonia Gandhi
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has expelled former Barabati–Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim from the Odisha Congress, citing alleged anti‑party activities and indiscipline. The decision, which also terminates his primary membership, followed a proposal submitted by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Das and later approved by the AICC.
Party sources revealed that the immediate trigger was a five‑page letter Moquim addressed to senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. In the communication, he questioned the leadership of OPCC President Bhakta Das, raised concerns about the functioning of the state unit, and made remarks about Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s age—comments that party leaders deemed inappropriate and contrary to discipline.
The OPCC media cell defended the expulsion, stating that Moquim’s letter was intended to disrupt rather than reform the party. “The communication insulted leadership at both state and national levels and contributed to organisational instability,” said OPCC media cell chief Arabinda Das.
Senior Congress leader Sarat Rout expressed concern over how the contents of the letter became public before reaching the party’s central leadership, suggesting premeditation.
The Congress leadership reiterated its commitment to discipline and organisational cohesion, particularly as the party works to strengthen its structure in Odisha.
