New Year hoardings featuring expelled Congress leader Moquim, MLA Sofia spark political chatter

New Year greeting hoardings featuring expelled OdishaCongress leader Mohammed Moquim and Barabati MLA Sofia Firdous have sparked political discussion after appearing at several locations across Cuttack on Wednesday. The hoardings, carrying New Year wishes, prominently display photographs of both leaders but do not bear the Congress party symbol, giving rise to speculation in political circles.

While such greeting hoardings are common during the season, the joint appearance of Moquim, who was expelled from the Congress for alleged anti-party activities, and his daughter Sofia Firdous, a sitting Congress MLA, has drawn attention in the current political context.

Unclear Sponsorship Raises Questions

Questions have also been raised over the sponsorship and authorisation of the hoardings. It remains unclear whether they were put up by Moquim’s supporters or by well-wishers of the MLA. Observers pointed out that if the hoardings were installed on behalf of Moquim, the inclusion of a Congress MLA’s photograph appeared unusual. On the other hand, if the hoardings were meant for Sofia Firdous, the absence of the Congress party logo and the inclusion of Moquim’s image have been seen as significant.

Adding to the uncertainty, the hoardings do not mention the name of any sponsoring individual, organisation or political party.

Responding to the speculation, Mohammed Moquim said he is not associated with any political party at present and had learnt about the hoardings through media reports. “Some well-wishers may have put up the hoardings showing Sofia and me as a father-daughter duo. Only those who installed them can explain the intention behind it,” he said.

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“I have seen many other hoardings as well where MLA Sofia Firdous' picture is put up on banners wishing New Year with her party logo and pictures of senior member," he added