Bhubaneswar, 11 July (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Central government during the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ rally held at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar on Friday. He accused the government of working in the interest of a few industrialists, particularly Gautam Adani, while ignoring the concerns of the poor, tribals, farmers, women, and unemployed youth.
Addressing a large gathering of Congress workers and supporters, Gandhi alleged that the BJP government is not committed to protecting the Constitution but is instead focused on consolidating power through manipulation and exploitation.
Rahul Gandhi raised serious concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, pointing to what he claimed was the sudden appearance of over 1 crore new voters in Maharashtra. “Similar tactics are now being used in Bihar,” he said. “I had written to the Election Commission seeking voter list verification and videographic evidence, but no response has been received so far,” he added.
Taking aim at industrialist Gautam Adani, Gandhi accused the BJP government of halting the sacred Rath Yatra in Puri to accommodate the industrialist’s interests. “Lakhs of devotees were pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot, and the tradition was abruptly interruptednot for religious reasons, but to serve one man’s convenience,” he said.
Gandhi expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of crimes against women in Odisha. “More than 40,000 women have gone missing in the state, and 15 crimes against women are reported every day. Yet the government remains a silent spectator,” he claimed.
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the BJP government’s approach towards tribal rights and farmer welfare. “This government is trying to displace Adivasis from their land without proper consultation. Water, forest, and land are the rights of tribalsno one has the authority to take them away,” he said.
He further slammed the state government's failure to implement the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), meant to empower tribal communities.
Calling for social justice and fair representation, Gandhi reiterated the Congress party's demand for a caste-based census. “Marginalised communities, especially Dalits and backward classes, are not getting adequate representation in governance and bureaucracy. A caste census is essential to address these structural inequalities,” he stated.
Gandhi praised the determination of Odisha’s drivers’ union, which is currently protesting for better working conditions. He alleged that the BJP government attempted to pressure the union into obstructing the Congress rally. “Despite the pressure, the union decided to suspend their strike for a day, and I thank them for standing by their values. The government must engage with them and fulfil their genuine demands,” he said.
In a rousing message to Congress workers, Gandhi said, “You are the Babbar Sher (majestic lions) of Odisha. Do not fear anyone. The spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and our great leaders flows in your blood. Stand strong and win this fight for democracy and justice.”
Rahul Gandhi was joined by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal during his one-day visit. The trio arrived at Bhubaneswar airport at 11:30 AM and were greeted by the state Congress leadership before heading to the rally venue.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
