Bhubaneswar: Rahul Gandhi, veteran Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Friday targeted the BJP government in Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh held at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar, accusing it of attacking the Constitution and looting the poor.
Addressing the rally at Baramunda Ground, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP is attempting to rig elections in Bihar, mirroring their tactics in Maharashtra. He accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the election outcome in Bihar, allegedly by manipulating the electoral process.
He pointed out that in Maharashtra, a staggering 1 crore new voters suddenly appeared in both the state assembly and general elections and questioned the legitimacy of these new voters, asking how such a large number could emerge.
“I had written to the Election Commission, requesting videography evidence and voter list details to verify the authenticity of these new voters. However, the Commission has yet to respond,” maintained Gandhi.
“The government is not for the people, but for industrialists like Adani,” Rahul Gandhi alleged.
He also slammed the government’s handling of the Rath Yatra incident, alleging that the centuries-old tradition was disrupted midway to benefit industrialist Gautam Adani and his family.
The Congress leader said, “Lakhs of devotees were joyfully pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath, but the event was abruptly halted to serve the interests of Adani, rather than allowing the sacred ritual to proceed.”
He also raised the issue of missing women in Odisha, stating that over 40,000 women have gone missing in the state. “No one knows where they have gone. Every day 15 women are being subjected to crimes, but the government is a silent spectator.”
He, however, praised the drivers’ union for their determination to fight for their rights, while criticising the government for trying to suppress their movement. The government should listen to their demands and fulfil their genuine demands.
Criticising the state government for its handling of tribal rights and farmer issues, Rahul Gandhi emphasised that the rights of tribals over water, forest, and land are non-negotiable and that the current government is trying to displace them without proper consultation.
He also slammed the government’s failure to implement the PESA Act, which is meant to protect the rights of tribals and emphasised that development should be for the people of Odisha, not just a select few.
Rahul Gandhi also highlighted the need for a caste census, saying it would empower marginalised communities. “Dalits are not getting representation in government or bureaucracy. Caste census is essential to address these issues,” he said.
He concluded his speech by praising the spirits of Congress workers in Odisha and assured that the Congress party will always stand in solidarity with the marginalised and oppressed sections of society.
