The Congress on Monday took strong disciplinary action by suspending former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim from the party, escalating tensions within its ranks after his sharply worded letter to senior leader Sonia Gandhi triggered a political storm.

In an official statement, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) said it had approved Moquim’s expulsion from the party’s primary membership, citing “anti-party activities.” The move comes just days after Moquim openly questioned the party’s leadership and direction following its poor electoral performance in Odisha and at the national level.

Moquim’s five-page letter, addressed to Sonia Gandhi, had directly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. He alleged a widening gap between the party’s top leadership and grassroots workers, warning that internal disconnect was weakening the organisation from within. He also questioned Kharge’s ability to connect with younger voters and argued that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should assume a more prominent and visible leadership role at the national level.

The expelled leader pointed to the exit of several prominent Congress figures over the years, claiming that talented leaders felt sidelined and ignored. He further alleged that he had not had any interaction with Rahul Gandhi for the past three years, reinforcing his claim of leadership detachment.

In his letter, Moquim blamed what he described as flawed decisions, misplaced leadership choices and excessive concentration of authority for the party’s declining fortunes. He warned that failure to course-correct would further erode public confidence and internal morale.

Moquim also highlighted the importance of leaders he believes can energise the party, naming figures known for organisational strength and public credibility. Stressing India’s changing demographic reality, he argued that the Congress risks losing relevance unless it reconnects meaningfully with young voters, who now form the majority of the population.