Cuttack Congress leader Giribala Behera strongly opposed the expulsion of Mohammed Moquim, calling the decision unfair and damaging for the party.
She argued that without Moquim, Congress in Cuttack would lose strength and struggle to maintain its presence.
Behera reminded that Congress had failed to win in Cuttack for years. Moquim and his daughter Sofia changed that trend by securing victories in elections. She highlighted that even in municipal polls, Congress corporators won, which she credited entirely to Moquim’s leadership.
She explained that Moquim never engaged in indiscipline. Instead, he wrote letters to strengthen the party and worked to build its base. His removal, she said, has hurt both workers and leaders who relied on his influence and organisational skills.
Behera stressed that Moquim’s expulsion undermines the morale of Congress supporters in Cuttack. She insisted that the party cannot afford to lose leaders who deliver results. According to her, the decision ignored the ground reality and weakened the party’s chances in future elections.
The controversy surrounding Moquim’s expulsion has created unrest among local Congress members. Many believe his leadership brought rare victories in Cuttack, and his absence will leave a vacuum.
