Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP, Adani Over Odisha Control

Bhubaneswar: In a fiery address at the ‘Save the Constitution of India’ rally held at Baramunda Ground on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, alleging that the state is effectively being controlled by industrialist Gautam Adani.

Gandhi accused the BJP of surrendering Odisha’s governance and natural resources to corporate giants. “The Constitution protects the poor, the oppressed, farmers, and backward communities. It does not belong to Adani, Ambani, or any billionaire. Yet, in Odisha, it seems only Adani’s posters are visible. It appears Adani is running the government here,” he said to thunderous applause from the crowd.

Citing the recent Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Gandhi claimed Adani’s growing influence was apparent when the chariots were halted allegedly due to his intervention.

Raising serious concerns over rising unemployment and crimes against women, the Congress leader questioned the state’s accountability. “How many jobs has this government created for Odisha’s youth? Over 40,000 women have gone missing, and yet, there is silence. Women are being raped every hour. What is the government doing?” he asked.

Gandhi further accused both the current BJP government and the previous BJD regime of exploiting the state’s natural resources. “Whether it’s BJP or BJD, the objective remains the same—looting Odisha’s land, water, and forests for 5–6 major corporations. These resources belong to the tribal people and no one has the right to take them away,” he asserted.

He also warned that the BJP is posing a national threat to the Constitution, alleging that the party is attempting to tamper with it in multiple states, including Bihar and Odisha.

Highlighting a major Congress initiative, Gandhi promoted the idea of a caste-based census in Odisha. “We successfully implemented a caste census in Telangana to identify the exact social and economic standing of different communities. We want to bring the same in Odisha. People must support this. When the public realizes their rights, the BJP will be thrown out,” he said.

Commenting on the recent transport strike by drivers’ associations across the state, Gandhi alleged that it was orchestrated by the BJP to disrupt the Congress rally. “They tried to sabotage our event by pressuring the drivers’ union, but we overcame it. The association paused the strike to allow today’s rally. The government must now take their genuine demands seriously,” he stated.

In a rousing message to party workers, Gandhi urged Congress cadres to remain bold and persistent. “You are our Babbar Sher. Do not fear anyone. The blood of Mahatma Gandhi and other great leaders runs in your veins. Go and win this battle for the people,” he declared.

Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal during his one-day visit to Odisha. The leaders received a grand welcome at Bhubaneswar airport at 11:30 AM before proceeding to the rally venue to mobilize support and review the party’s organizational preparedness in the state.