Odisha's Political Shake-up: Former MLA Launches New Party

Mohammed Moquim, expelled from Congress, is launching a new party named 'Odisha Janata Congress'. He aims to tackle corruption and rally youth support. Accusing BJD and Congress of losing relevance, Moquim plans to formally inaugurate the youth-centric party in Bhubaneswar on April 8.

Former MLA Mohammed Moquim is set to make waves in Odisha's political landscape with the launch of a new political party—Odisha Janata Congress. Set for formal inauguration on April 8, the move comes after Moquim's expulsion from Congress last year over disagreements with party leadership, particularly concerning age-related issues of the president, Mallikarjun Kharge.

Moquim, who previously represented the Cuttack-Barabati assembly, stated that his vision is to create a youth-centric party committed to fighting corruption. He criticized the longstanding BJD rule and Congress for their perceived inefficacy, citing their recent cooperation as indicative of their diminished distinctiveness.

Preparations are underway for the party's launch at Bhubaneswar's Exhibition Ground, where several attendees from across the state will gather. Moquim, collaborating closely with his daughter Sofia Firdous—currently a Congress MLA—intends for the new party to resonate strongly with Odisha's youth.

(With inputs from agencies.)