By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK: With sitting PCC Chief Niranjan Patnaik may not continue for a long time and senior party MLA Suresh Kumar Routray clearly saying that he was not in fray, it seems, the last laugh will be with Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammed Moquim.
Moquim not only has the money power like the Patnaiks but also considerable influence in Cuttack city, one of Congress’s old strong hold.Moquim along with Peeyush Dhari Mohanty runs Metro Builders, one of Odisha’s largest civil construction firm. Both Moquim and Mohanty also started a media company and a TV Channel is shortly hitting the air.
“If Niranjan exits, it is better for Congress high command Rashul Gandhi to shift the baton of Odisha Congress to Moquim considering his organisational skills and money power,” added a senior Congress MLA in Bhubaneswar.
Another Congress veteran however feared that, Moquim may face obstacles from the Biswal Brothers read Chiranjib Biswal and Ranjib Biswal, both have both money and media power.
Few days back Congress leaders met in Bhubaneswar and proposed that Cuttack-Barabati MLA Moquim should elevated to PCC Chief. Odisha Congress needs a leader who is dynamic, conventional and has an uncompromising mentality, and Mohammed Moquim is perfect for the role,” they Congress leaders in a joint statement had said.
In last Assembly polls, Moquim gave a tough fight and eventually won in Cuttack, which had been BJD’s territory for many years.
Veteran Congress leader and Jatani MLA Routray said he is neither an aspirant for the post nor is capable enough to hold it. He even does not have the charisma or influence to lead the party, he added.
Sources also revealed that some Congress leaders are expected to meet Rahul Gandhi this week and they have already sought an appointment with Congress Chief.
