Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has expelled senior leader Mohammed Moquim, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Barabati-Cuttack, from the primary membership of the party. The decision comes in response to what the party describes as Moquim’s "anti-party activities."

The expulsion was formally confirmed in a press release issued by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. The move follows Moquim’s vocal criticism of party leadership, especially after the Congress's defeat in the Nuapada by-election. In a letter addressed to Sonia Gandhi, Moquim had called for a "deep structural and ideological renewal" within the party, warning that the Congress risked losing its legacy if reforms were not made.

Moquim's letter highlighted a series of electoral setbacks for the Congress, including six consecutive defeats in Odisha and losses in recent elections across other states. He also pointed to a growing "emotional disconnect" between the party and its workers. Moquim had further expressed frustration over being denied a meeting with Rahul Gandhi for nearly three years, citing it as a symbol of the party’s leadership disconnect.

The AICC has approved the expulsion, which is effective immediately.