CUTTACK: With the Supreme Court not granting stay on conviction of senior Congress leader and Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammed Moquim in the housing loan irregularities case dashing his hope of contesting the polls, his daughter Sofia Firdous is in all possibility going to step into his shoes.
With no possibility of Moquim entering the fray this time, an important meeting was held at his residence here on Wednesday for selecting a candidate for the Assembly segment. Several Congress leaders including sitting corporators and frontline party workers participated participated in the meeting and suggested fielding Sofia from the seat.
“After a threadbare discussion, we unanimously decided for the candidature of our leader’s daughter from Barabati-Cuttack Assembly segment. Sofia (32), who is a trustee of Moqium Foundation, has been actively involved in her father’s political affairs since 2014. She had campaigned for her father in 2019 and for Congress in Cuttack Municipal Corporation elections in 2022. We hope, she will definitely win if given a party ticket,” said corporator Santosh Bhola.
A resolution was passed in this regard and sent to Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. “Voters of Barabati-Cuttack will no doubt accept Sofia as they are well aware of the conspiracy of BJD in not allowing Mohammad Moquim to contest the upcoming elections as he is popular and has strong organisational base. Sofia Firdous is an entrepreneur and a social activist. She has been actively working for the society through Moqium Foundation,” said former city Congress president Giribala Behera.
Meanwhile, Moqium said the government took interest in a 24-year-old case for barring him from contesting the elections. He further stated he is hurt as he is unable to fulfil the expectations of people who want him to contest again.
“I thank the Supreme Court for accepting my plea and granting me bail. As there is no stay in conviction, I cannot contest the election. It will not be appropriate on my part to comment on Sofia’s candidature. Party workers and my supporters have held a meeting and steps which will be beneficial for Congress will be taken,” said Moquim.