Bhubaneswar, Dec. 16 -- The internal discord within the Odisha Congress sharpened on Monday after PCC president Bhakta Charan Das strongly defended the party's decision to expel former MLA Mohammed Moquim from its primary membership, accusing him of undermining the organisation by taking internal grievances to the media.

Responding to questions from journalists, Das questioned Moquim's stature within the party and said his conduct indicated a lack of commitment to Congress. "Who is he? He has won just one Assembly election," Das said.

Emphasising that the party provides adequate forums to address grievances, the PCC chief said, "Every member of the party has the right to raise issues if he/she faces injustice. The party leadership liste...