Bhubaneswar: In a major jolt to Congress in Odisha, at least 41 leaders and workers resigned from the party collectively on Saturday reportedly over the expulsion of Mohammed Moquim.
Those who tendered their resignation are stated to be the supporters of Moquim. They tendered their resignations as a mark of opposition to the state leadership.
Sources said the leaders who resigned include a former PCC secretary, a former party spokesperson, some former block Congress presidents, a Mahila Congress secretary, and several youth and student leaders.
The resignations were submitted claiming that the party was weakened due to ‘ineffective and directionless leadership’ of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).
The mass exit comes in the wake of the expulsion of senior leader Mohammed Moquim from the Congress, a move that has left his supporters deeply aggrieved. It was alleged that the decision to expel Moquim was arbitrary and reflected the growing disconnect between the state leadership and grassroots workers.
Sources in the state party claimed that the resignations stemmed from growing dissatisfaction and internal differences. The move has sparked speculation about the future course of action for Moquim’s camp and its potential impact on Congress’s strength in Odisha.
Observers felt that mass resignation could weaken the party’s grassroots presence, especially in areas where Moquim holds influence. The development also raises questions about Congress’s ability to retain its cadre base amid shifting political equations in the state.
It was claimed that the present leadership has failed to strengthen the party at the ground level or provide a clear political roadmap in Odisha.
The development comes days after Moquim announced that a new political party is likely to be launched by the end of March.
No official response was available from the Congress party so far following the development.
