Bhubaneswar: In a major jolt ahead of the 2024 elections, the Congress has suspended two senior leaders including a sitting MLA and ex-MLA from the party for indulging in anti-party activities.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has suspended Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohd. Moquim and ex-MLA Chiranjib Biswal for indulging in anti-party activities, which are against the interest of the party, AICC General Secretary Tariq Anwar said in a press statement today.
The action was taken as per the complaint of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Sarat Pattanayak. Following the complaint by the OPCC Chief, the matter was referred to the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC). The DAC issued notices to both of them asking for their explanations.
“The replies received from them were carefully considered by the DAC and found them unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the DAC has decided to place both of them under suspension from the Party with immediate effect,” said Shri Anwar, who is also the Member-Secretary of DAC.
This action comes ahead of the 2024 polls. So, this may affect the party’s mission to win 90 MLA seats from the 9 seats it had won in 2019.
According to party sources, the action was taken as both the senior leaders have organized a public programme just ahead of the Jharsuguda by-poll.
During the meeting, senior Congress leader Chiranjib Biswal said those born after 2000, don’t know anything other than Naveen Patnaik. The state unit of Congress has failed to reach out to such people so far. He was mentioning about the Congress Veterans J B Patnaik and Basant Biswal. Both the Stalwarts helped the Congress in Odisha and now they are forgotten chapter.
Cuttack- Barabati MLA Mohammed Moquim did cross voting during the last Presidential election. Violating the whip issued by the party, Moquim voted for NDA nominee and tribal leader from Odisha, Droupadi Murmu. So, this might be taken seriously by the party high-command and this action was initiated, the source said.
While PCC Chief Shri Pattanayak welcomed the decision of the High-Command, Mohammed Moquim said he will continue to work for the party. If Congress will not give ticket in coming 2024 State Legislative Assembly poll, he will prefer to fight poll as an Independent Candidate.
