Odisha is poised to witness the emergence of a new regional political party in 2026, formed by dissatisfied senior leaders from the state’s three major parties. Former MLA and expelled Congress leader Mohammed Moquim dropped strong hints about this development during the inauguration of the Moquim Foundation Premier League Cricket event.
Moquim, who was ousted from the Congress party, revealed plans to kickstart the new party’s groundwork from January by organising youth and student gatherings to rally his supporters and demonstrate strength. The proposed party aims to challenge the dominance of the BJP, BJD, and Congress, potentially reshaping Odisha’s political landscape.
Outlining the party’s core focus, Moquim emphasised a complete ban on intoxicants across the state. “The new regional party will prioritise anti-liquor activists and work towards total prohibition,” he stated. He added that excise revenue losses could be offset by bolstering the mining sector. Rejecting populist freebie schemes, the party will instead prioritise initiatives to make citizens employable and self-reliant.
The party plans to actively involve emerging youth and student groups, addressing what Moquim described as a “political vacuum” in Odisha. He criticised the BJP for failing to deliver good governance after coming to power, noting that people have already tested the BJD and Congress and are seeking a viable alternative.
Moquim’s supporters have been buzzing with speculation since the new year, with calculations underway for the party’s launch. In recent days, he has held closed-door meetings with several senior leaders from various parties. “Many senior figures feel sidelined and undervalued in their current parties,” Moquim said, adding that discussions are ongoing and a blueprint for the new regional party has already been prepared. Dissatisfied leaders from the three major parties are reportedly enthusiastic about the venture.
This move comes after Moquim’s expulsion from Congress for openly criticising the state and central leadership. Post-expulsion, he toured various regions of Odisha, meeting with leaders from different parties, fueling rumours of a new outfit. Meanwhile, in Cuttack, Moquim and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous have put up New Year greeting banners across the city, notably without any Congress symbols or leader photos—seen as an indirect signal of his impending breakaway.
Prior to the party formation, many of Moquim’s supporters in Cuttack have already distanced themselves from Congress. If realised, this new regional party could introduce significant changes to Odisha’s political dynamics, especially with its anti-intoxicant stance and focus on youth empowerment.
