In a major development, MLA Mohd. Moquim & Ex- MLA Chiranjib Biwal were suspended from Odisha Congress on Saturday. The two senior leaders were suspended on charges of indulging in anti-party activities.
According to sources, Odisha Congress President, Sarat Pattanayak had complained about both the leaders before the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC). Based on the complaint, replies were sought from both leaders. However, the DAC found the replies to be unsatisfactory following which, the committee decided to place both of them under suspension.
When contacted, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Sarat Pattanayak said this is the decision of the high command and we have to accept it.
In his reaction, MLA Mohd. Moquim said, “We came to know about our suspension from a letter doing rounds on WhatsApp. I had never given any anti-party statements. But after my participation in the voting to elect Droupadi Murmu as the President of India, the OPCC chief wrote to the party's high command. And after receiving the show-cause, I had already given my reply. But I have not done anything against the party. However, I am accepting the party’s decision.”
“The party has suspended us temporarily. But we should get by. In the coming days, we will think about how can we associate with the party and strengthen it. Today, Sarat Pattanayak is the party chief. Tomorrow, someone else will be in his place. But I am with the Congress,” Moquim added.
Senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty said, “The Congress has come to the action mode which is the need of the hour. The party may have less number of MLAs and workers but there would be discipline in the party. More than half of the total Congress MLAs are showing undue support to the ruling party. MLA Suresh Routray is often found giving statements contrary to the party’s stand. If the leaders of the Opposition party are leaning toward the ruling party, the former can’t make progress.”
“The party has total nine MLAs. The suspension of the MLA suggests that the party is trying to maintain discipline at any cost,” Mohanty added.
Meanwhile, the suspension of Biswal incensed his supporters who staged a demonstration in front of Jagatsinghpur Municipality office. Later, they burnt the effigy of OPCC chief Sarat Pattanayak.