Mohammed Moquim calls for 'Congress reforms' in Odisha, urges senior leaders to make way for youth

Responding to the sharp reactions of the senior Congress leaders in Odisha about the open challenge to Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Das in his letter to Sonia Gandhi, Mohammed Moquim on Thursday stated that he does not wish to speak against anyone, but he has stepped up for 'reform of the Congress'.

Sharing his views during an interview on OTV’s 'Kholakatha', Moquim said that whatever he is doing-right or wrong-is his own decision. He remarked that leaders who have been repeatedly losing elections should refrain from taking organisational posts and instead act as mentors. 

Calling for generational change, Moquim urged the senior leaders to make way for young people to take up leadership roles.

Also Read: Senior Odisha Congress leaders slam Mohammed Moquim over letter against PCC chief

"I have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi stating that the party is going through a difficult phase and needs her advice and new leadership. Age is not on AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's side. We should bring forward young leaders. I know that Sonia ji and the CWC members will definitely discuss this and bring changes," said Moquim.

"We have lost elections in Odisha six times, and our vote percentage has been reduced to 13 per cent. The party has come to the third position in the State. PCC Presidents in Odisha are getting appointed as per the selection of the high command. However, the current leader is not a pan-Odisha figure. If AICC forms a small team of natural leaders from different corners of Odisha and takes control, Congress will be revived in Odisha. It was an alarming and concerning situation in the Nuapada by-election this time. I have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi in this regard," he added.

Notably, Moquim had expressed deep dissatisfaction in a letter to Sonia Gandhi, questioning the party’s decision to appoint Das as PCC chief in 2025 despite his three consecutive Lok Sabha election defeats.