Moquim’s letter to Sonia Gandhi: OPCC chief Bhakta Das responds with ‘BJP association’ remark, defends Kharge

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Das has publicly defended party president Mallikarjun Kharge amid the escalating internal discord in the state Congress unit.

Reacting to former Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim’s recent letter to Sonia Gandhi and his statements, the OPCC President, without taking Moquim's name, said those “associated with the BJP should just go to the BJP,” while underlining Kharge’s long political journey and experience, stating that “even 0.1 per cent of what he has gone through, these people would not have seen,” Das said to ANI.

The remarks come as the controversy surrounding Moquim deepens, with sources indicating that the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee has submitted a report to the party high command highlighting Moquim’s public statements and internal communications.

According to sources, the report alleges that Moquim’s remarks damaged the party’s image and undermined organisational unity, prompting discussions on whether disciplinary action should be initiated.

The OPCC is understood to have argued that such statements weakened internal cohesion and created confusion among party workers. While no official communication has been issued so far, internal deliberations are ongoing on whether Moquim should be asked to clarify his position.

Moquim’s Letter to Sonia Gandhi

The current standoff traces back to Moquim’s letter dated December 10 to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, in which he sharply criticised Odisha PCC president Bhakta Das. In the letter, Moquim questioned Das’s appointment as PCC chief despite three consecutive Lok Sabha defeats and highlighted electoral setbacks, including the loss of the Nuapada by-election by a large margin.

Moquim also raised ideological objections, stating that Das’s political positions differed from those of the Congress and referring to past criticism of the Gandhi family during the Jayaprakash movement. He further described it as “worrying” that Das and his son had allegedly supported the Koshal movement.

In subsequent remarks, Moquim expanded his criticism to the party’s national leadership, expressing dissatisfaction over organisational functioning, leadership outreach, and internal communication. He also referred to Kharge’s age, a point that drew strong objections from senior leaders.

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Senior Leaders Respond Sharply

Several senior Odisha Congress leaders publicly distanced themselves from Moquim’s approach. Suresh Routray criticised Moquim for taking internal issues to the media, questioning his intent and stating that such actions could have political consequences for his family. Routray also said that if Moquim wanted to chart a different political path, he was free to do so.

Ananta Sethi echoed similar concerns, stating that grievances should have been raised directly with the high command rather than aired publicly. Jayadev Jena also objected to Moquim’s remarks, particularly those questioning Kharge’s age, calling them inappropriate.

Jena added that Moquim’s claim of being unable to meet Rahul Gandhi was a personal matter and should not have been projected as an organisational failure, noting that he himself had received responses to his communications with the leadership.

With the OPCC report now with the party leadership, sources said the Congress high command may seek an explanation from Moquim before taking any further steps. No timeline has been indicated, and no official statement has been issued on whether disciplinary proceedings will be initiated.