Congress likely to revoke suspension order against Moquim, Chiranjib

Ahead of the 2024 elections, Congress in Odisha is reportedly trying to re-induct some estranged senior party leaders into its fold and may revoke suspension orders against stalwarts like Barabati-Cuttack legislator Mohammed Moquim and ex-MLA Chiranjib Biswal. 

Speculation about the return of Moquim and Biswal to the party has picked up after the two senior leaders met party's Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar at the state guest house in Bhubaneswar on Monday.    

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Moquim, said, “I along with Chiranjibi Babu met the party’s state in-charge and we minutely discussed the matters related to the party’s organization in our constituencies. There is little time for the party for the upcoming elections. We discussed threadbare about how the party will be taken forward." 

Odisha in-charge of Congress Ajoy Kumar told media that they had a fruitful discussion about the party's organization. “Those leaders who are with us will be called for discussion. Our fight is to save the country. Our fight is to save Odisha. The fruit of patience is sweet,” he observed.  

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on July 16, 2023, suspended Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim and former MLA Chiranjib Biswal from the party on the ground of anti-party activities. 

It was then stated that OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak received complaints against the two.  Acting on the complaints, AICC general secretary and member secretary of the party’s disciplinary action committee (DAC) Tariq Anwar then said that OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak complained that MLA Mohammad Moquim and ex-MLA Chiranjib Biswal were indulging in anti-party activities. 

The DAC had served show cause notices to them seeking their explanations.

Also Read: Odisha Congress trying to muster strength for 2024 elections 

Moquim termed the DAC decision as arbitrary and pleaded his innocence. Biswal also dismissed the allegation of anti-party activities made against him. Biswal earlier made a controversial statement saying that there were only nine MLAs of Congress in the state, but 20 leaders were aspiring to become chief minister. 

Despite their suspension, the two veteran leaders did not join any party even though there was speculation about the possibility of their joining the Biju Janata Dal(BJD).