Cuttack: Former Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim, recently expelled from Congress, on Tuesday indicated that he is moving forward with forming a regional party focused on Odisha, with discussions and groundwork now at a decisive stage.
Possible names under consideration include “Odisha Janata Congress” or “Odisha Lok Congress.”
“We will share all the details with the people of the state by the end of March. We have been consulting our supporters and well-wishers. One of the two proposed names will be selected and officially registered,” he told a local news channel.
Moquim clarified that the party would not align with national parties but would instead champion Odisha-specific issues while maintaining secular values. “The party will be rooted in Congress ideology and will provide a platform to the youngsters,” he said.
As part of the mobilisation drive, he announced that a women’s convention will be held on January 30, followed by a farmers’ convention on February 5. These gatherings will focus on discussing the major challenges and concerns facing women, farmers, and various other segments of society, he added.
Moquim also extended an open invitation to leaders and workers from various political parties, including those disillusioned with the Congress. “Leaders across political parties are quitting for various reasons. Those who wish to join our party are most welcome,” he said.
This comes amid recent resignations from the Odisha Congress, including a group of 41 workers who cited dissatisfaction over Moquim’s expulsion.
In December last year, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) expelled the former MLA after he allegedly made the 5-page letter, which he wrote to Sonia Gandhi demanding a change in leadership and flagged issues related to the age of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, public and spoke to television channels. He had also raised concerns over the functioning of the state unit and questioned the leadership of OPCC chief Bhakta Charan Das.
