Bhubaneswar: In a blistering attack on both the BJP-led Odisha government and the NDA government at the Centre, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday accused them of “systematic corruption, suppression of rights, and betrayal of public trust.”
Addressing a charged gathering at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ rally in Bhubaneswar in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader KC Venugopal, Gandhi alleged that successive dispensations in Odisha — first under Naveen Patnaik’s BJD and now the newly elected BJP government — have plundered the state’s resources and trampled upon the rights of its people.
“This is not a government of the people, but of 5-6 billionaires like Adani. They snatch away your land, your forests, and your future,” Gandhi thundered, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Taking direct aim at the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Gandhi accused the BJP of orchestrating a systematic assault on the Constitution and democratic institutions. “They are attacking the very soul of India’s democracy. The fight to protect the Constitution is now in the hands of the people,” he declared.
The Congress leader also flagged concerns over alleged electoral malpractices, claiming voter lists were manipulated in Maharashtra and warning that a similar attempt was underway in Bihar. “Odisha too must stay vigilant,” he cautioned.
Turning to tribal rights, Gandhi denounced the state government for denying Adivasi communities their constitutional entitlements over jal, jungle, zameen (water, forest, and land). “Without implementing the PESA Act (Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 – tribals are being forcibly displaced. This is not just injustice, it’s a crime against the Constitution,” he said.
In a remark likely to stir controversy, Gandhi alleged that the annual Ratha Yatra in Puri was halted for industrialist Gautam Adani’s family, symbolising what he described as ‘corporate capture’ of the state.
“A drama unfolded this year. The chariot was stopped for Adani’s kin — that alone speaks volumes about who runs this government,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi also raised alarm over rising crimes against women in Odisha. “More than 40,000 women have gone missing here. Fifteen women are raped every day. And yet, the government stays silent. Why?” he asked, demanding accountability from the BJP government.
Reiterating his party’s push for a caste census, Gandhi pointed to its successful implementation in Telangana and criticised Odisha’s government for neglecting backward classes. He revealed that senior Congress leader Bhakta Das has been tasked with launching an awareness campaign on the issue in the state.
The Congress MP further lauded the members of the Odisha Drivers’ Association, who have been on strike, for facilitating the success of his rally despite what he termed ‘government intimidation.’ “The BJP government tried to silence them, but they stood their ground. I salute them and urge that their demands be met,” he stated.
Reacting sharply to Gandhi’s remarks, BJP MP Pradeep Purohit dismissed the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated.”
“Rahul Gandhi is making wild claims because he’s in the Opposition. The BJP is the only party genuinely working for the welfare of Dalits and tribals. Farmers are happy, women are benefiting from the Subhadra Yojana, and senior citizens above 80 are getting a monthly pension of Rs 3,500. The new Mohan Majhi government has rolled out several people-centric schemes. The public stands with us,” Purohit asserted.