Odisha Congress leader who urged Priyanka Gandhi take leadership role expelled from party

Senior Congress leader and former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim has been expelled from the party’s primary membership after he wrote a letter to senior leader Sonia Gandhi criticising the party’s leadership and suggesting a larger leadership role for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party sources said.

Moquim, a former MLA from the Cuttack-Barabati constituency, was expelled on charges of “anti-party activities.” The action came days after he publicly raised concerns over the Congress’s organisational functioning, leadership choices and repeated electoral setbacks, particularly in Odisha.

In his letter, Moquim questioned the effectiveness of the current leadership and argued that the party was failing to connect with younger voters. He suggested that Priyanka Gandhi should be given a more prominent leadership role, saying it could help energise the organisation and restore confidence among workers at the grassroots level.

Congress leaders said that publicly questioning the party president and airing internal matters amounted to indiscipline. According to party sources, Moquim was warned that such actions could invite disciplinary measures, but he chose to go public with his views.

Responding to his expulsion, Moquim said he stood by his remarks and did not regret writing the letter. Citing the Congress slogan “daro mat,” he said he believed speaking honestly was in the party’s larger interest. He added that he would continue to remain active in public life and consult supporters on his next course of action.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders in Odisha defended the party leadership, stressing that leadership should be judged by performance rather than age. They also cautioned against internal dissent being aired publicly, saying it weakens the organisation at a time when unity is critical.

Moquim’s expulsion underscores ongoing internal tensions within the Congress as it grapples with organisational renewal and leadership questions following successive electoral defeats, both in Odisha and nationally.