Congress MLA Sophia Firdous expressed great pride today as she prepared to hear President Droupadi Murmu address the State Assembly, calling it a historic moment for her first time as an MLA.
She voiced support for her father, former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim, who had defied the party line during the 2022 Presidential election to vote for the NDA candidate, Droupadi Murmu.
Sophia stated her father prioritized the "land" (Odisha) over the "party." She recalled Moquim’s reasoning that since no whip was issued for the highest constitutional office, he voted for the "Odia girl" out of conscience and regional pride.
Moquim's decision, rooted in his identity as an Odia, has been publicly supported by his daughter, who said the former MLA is fortunate to witness President Murmu's speech.