Sofia Firdous, an alumna of IIM Bangalore who attended a Missionary school, made history as Odisha’s first Muslim woman MLA. She emphasized that her victory resonates a powerful message of unity and brotherhood across the nation.
Firdous, who actively participates in Durga Puja celebrations, shared that although born into a Muslim family, her upbringing in Cuttack, predominantly Hindu, shaped her diverse cultural experiences.
Prior to anything else, she proudly identifies herself as an “Odia”. Firdous, representing the Congress, secured victory in the Barabati-Cuttack Assembly seat, surpassing her closest rival, Purna Chandra Mahapatra of the BJP, by a margin of 8,001 votes. In conversation with PTI, Firdous highlighted that the residents of Cuttack prioritize “brotherhood”, demonstrating that development transcends religious boundaries.
“Religion for me is nothing other than a medium of worship to the Supreme Power, the Unseen Force. I believe spirituality is essential for all — Hindus, Muslims, Christians and any other community. It (spirituality) keeps oneself united and gives strength,” she said.
At 32 years old, the MLA expressed that she shares close friendships with Hindus who have never regarded her as different from them.
“In my childhood, I offered prayer in school, participated in Durga Puja in my locality, and enjoyed all the festivals of different religions as Cuttack in the city of brotherhood,” she added.
Upon her historic achievement as Odisha’s first Muslim woman MLA, Firdous said, “First of all, I am a proud Odia and Indian. People have voted for me as I am a daughter of Cuttack. It is a coincidence that I am Muslim and it had not happened before.”
In the nearly 90-year history of the Odisha assembly, over 140 women have been elected, yet none of them were Muslim until now.
“The tag of being the first Muslim woman MLA of Odisha came automatically. Thank God for all that. I am happy,” she said.
Firdous, who also leads a real estate company established by her father, expressed her admiration for Nandini Satpathy, who served as the Chief Minister of Odisha under a Congress government from 1972 to 1976. When questioned about her transition into politics despite her background in engineering and management, Firdous explained that her father, Mohammed Moquim, a prominent Congress figure, faced legal challenges, prompting her early involvement in the political arena.
Her father, Mohammed Moquim, won the same Assembly seat in the 2019 elections. However, he was unable to run in the 2024 polls due to his conviction in the Odisha Rural Housing and Development Corporation Limited (ORHDC) loan irregularities case.
“As my father was entangled in a legal case and he could not fight elections this time, I had to enter into electoral politics. I had never thought to come to politics so early. I contested the 2024 elections in order to retain my father’s legacy and complete his work in the Barabati-Cuttack assembly segment,” Firdous said.
The young Congress leader mentioned that she had actively campaigned for her father during the 2019 elections and had also overseen his electoral management efforts in the past.
“The people of my constituency have elected me keeping a view on my father’s work during the last five years and my profile. They trusted their daughter and I will stand by them in all situations,” she said.
When inquired about her father’s conviction preceding the elections, Firdous said, “My father has been targeted for political reasons. The people of Odisha have shown the BJD government its place in this election.”
After 24 years in power, the BJD was defeated by the BJP in the elections. In Firdous’s constituency, the BJD secured third place, following the Congress and BJP.
Firdous, an engineering graduate and alumnus of IIM Bangalore, noted that the Congress had asserted its influence within the Assembly, even with only nine MLAs, by vocally addressing numerous issues.
“Now, the party has 14 MLAs while the principal opposition party BJD has 51 in the 147-member House. As the opposition has become very strong now, it will play a major role,” she stated.