Bhubaneswar, Dec 12: The internal discord within the Odisha Congress has resurfaced, with senior leader and former MLA Mohammed Moquim openly challenging the leadership of Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das. His revolt comes in the wake of the party’s defeat in last month’s Nuapada Assembly by-election.

The controversy follows a letter written by former MLA Mohammed Moquim, which has triggered significant unrest in the state unit.

Moquim challenges OPCC chief’s credibility 

In a letter to party high command, former Barabati-Cuttack MLA Moquim reportedly questioned the appointment of Bhakta Charan Das as OPCC president, noting his three consecutive electoral defeats and past association with a political ideology opposed to the Congress. He recalled Das’ criticism of the Gandhi family during the JP movement and added that the open support extended by Das and his MLA son Sagar Das for the Kosal state demand has sparked unrest among party leaders.

Youth leaders demand change

Supporting Moquim’s stand, several youth leaders have now spoken to the media, calling for senior leaders above 60 years of age to step aside and allow younger leadership to take charge. They accused veterans of clinging to positions and urged the party high command to hand over responsibility to the next generation.

Congress spokesperson Sangram Majhi and youth leader Shubhendu Mallik were among those who voiced support for Moquim, sharply criticising senior figures such as Suresh Routray and Ananta Sethi.

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High command meetings in Delhi

Amid the turmoil, several senior Congress leaders from the State have camped in Delhi to meet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. The timing coincides with the upcoming AICC convention on December 14, where discussions on Odisha’s leadership are expected. Senior leaders acknowledged that Moquim’s decision to release his letter to the media was inappropriate but confirmed that the matter would be taken up with the high command for resolution.

Veteran leader Ananta Sethi and Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam said the leadership issue would be discussed in Delhi, stressing that the party must find a solution through dialogue.

Leadership tussle not new

Factional battles within the Odisha Congress are not new. Whenever dissatisfaction with the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president arises, leaders have often rushed to Delhi to seek intervention. This time, however, all eyes are on how seriously the high command treats Moquim’s letter and whether it paves the way for generational change in the state unit.