Bhubaneswar: A senior leader of the Congress party in Odisha has called for major changes within the organisation. Mohammed Moquim, the former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Barabati–Cuttack, recently sent a detailed letter to Sonia Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi is a Rajya Sabha MP and the former president of the Congress party. In his message, Moquim strongly suggested that the party needs a complete leadership overhaul in the state to survive and succeed. 
Moquim’s letter raises serious concerns about the current state of the party. He implicitly questioned the effectiveness of Bhakta Charan Das, who currently leads the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC). Moquim believes that the old ways of operating are no longer working. He argues that the party can only revive its fortunes in Odisha if it brings in renewed and revitalised leadership. He stressed that structural reforms are urgent and necessary.
To support his suggestions, Moquim highlighted his deep personal connection to the Congress party. He described a family history rooted in service to the nation. He wrote about his grandfather’s father, who was a freedom fighter and endured great hardships during India’s struggle for independence. He also mentioned his elder brother, who dedicated his life to the party before passing away at the young age of 42. Moquim used these examples to prove his long-term loyalty and commitment to the organisation.
The letter also details Moquim's own political track record. He reminded the central leadership of his past roles, including his time as a district president and the OPCC treasurer. He pointed out a significant achievement from 2019. In that year, he won the Barabati–Cuttack seat for Congress. This was a major milestone because the party had not won that constituency for 35 years prior to his victory.
Furthermore, Moquim discussed the recent electoral success of his daughter, Sofia Firdous. She became the MLA for Barabati–Cuttack in the 2024 elections. Moquim noted that this victory happened despite intense pressure. Both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister campaigned heavily in the area. However, the Congress party still retained the seat. Moquim argues that this win proves the public trusts their work and values their connection with people at the grassroots level.
Through this letter, Moquim seeks immediate intervention from Sonia Gandhi. He insists that a fresh approach and a strong, new leadership team are the only ways to strengthen the Congress party in Odisha for the future.
Moquim’s letter raises serious concerns about the current state of the party. He implicitly questioned the effectiveness of Bhakta Charan Das, who currently leads the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC). Moquim believes that the old ways of operating are no longer working. He argues that the party can only revive its fortunes in Odisha if it brings in renewed and revitalised leadership. He stressed that structural reforms are urgent and necessary.
To support his suggestions, Moquim highlighted his deep personal connection to the Congress party. He described a family history rooted in service to the nation. He wrote about his grandfather’s father, who was a freedom fighter and endured great hardships during India’s struggle for independence. He also mentioned his elder brother, who dedicated his life to the party before passing away at the young age of 42. Moquim used these examples to prove his long-term loyalty and commitment to the organisation.
The letter also details Moquim's own political track record. He reminded the central leadership of his past roles, including his time as a district president and the OPCC treasurer. He pointed out a significant achievement from 2019. In that year, he won the Barabati–Cuttack seat for Congress. This was a major milestone because the party had not won that constituency for 35 years prior to his victory.
Furthermore, Moquim discussed the recent electoral success of his daughter, Sofia Firdous. She became the MLA for Barabati–Cuttack in the 2024 elections. Moquim noted that this victory happened despite intense pressure. Both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister campaigned heavily in the area. However, the Congress party still retained the seat. Moquim argues that this win proves the public trusts their work and values their connection with people at the grassroots level.
Through this letter, Moquim seeks immediate intervention from Sonia Gandhi. He insists that a fresh approach and a strong, new leadership team are the only ways to strengthen the Congress party in Odisha for the future.
Key Highlights of the Letter
- Call for Change: Moquim seeks a total overhaul of the state leadership.
- Legacy: He cited his family's history of freedom fighters and loyal party workers.
- Proven Success: He highlighted regaining the Barabati–Cuttack seat in 2019 after a 35-year gap.
- Recent Victory: He pointed to his daughter’s 2024 win despite heavy campaigning by opposition leaders.
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