In his letter dated December 8, Moquim stated that he and his family have been “dedicated” Congress supporters and attributed the current state of the party throughout India to decisions made internally.
‘Risk losing the Congress legacy…’
He emphasized, “If we do not act now, we risk losing the Congress we once cherished,” noting that the party’s situation has grown “alarming, heartbreaking, and intolerable for loyal members”.
The recent election results in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Kashmir, marked by significant losses, reveal more than just electoral failures; they indicate a profound organizational disconnect. The letter pointed out that “misguided decisions, flawed leadership selections, and the continued placing of responsibility in the wrong hands” have weakened the party, a cycle that seems to be repeating.
“Serious questions are emerging: Are decisions being made with the necessary gravity? Are the right people being trusted with responsibilities? Is leadership fully aware of the seriousness of this crisis, or are we permitting the Party’s decline to persist unchecked, with decisions staying in the wrong hands?” he queried.
Leadership crisis within Odisha Congress
Moquim also highlighted the leadership crisis within the Odisha Congress, questioning the appointments of Sarat Patnaik and Bhakta Charan Das as OPCC President.
Disconnection from Congress leadership
He noted that Congress booth workers, block presidents, and district-level leaders feel overlooked and unheard, describing them as the “backbone” of the party. “This disconnection renders electoral success nearly impossible,” he asserted.
Even as an MLA, he expressed his frustration at not being able to meet Rahul Gandhi for nearly three years, contrasting it with the era of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and even Sonia Gandhi, when workers felt appreciated, acknowledged, and valued. “That bond fostered loyalty, identity, and conviction.”
Congress’s struggle to engage with India’s youth
The leader also pointed out that approximately 65% of India’s population is under 35 years old, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, at 83, struggles to connect with the youth.
He mentioned that Congress party workers are “eagerly awaiting” Priyanka Gandhi to assume a “central, visible, and active leadership role,” while advocating for a core leadership within the party comprising Sachin Pilot, DK Shivakumar, A Revanth Reddy, and Shashi Tharoor, asserting they possess the “credibility, energy, and connection” essential to inspire and mobilize young Indians.
