Bhubaneswar, July 11: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on both the BJP and BJD by accusing them of allowing 5-6 companies to exploit Odisha’s natural resources.
Addressing the public at ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ being held at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar, Gandhi said, "The sole aim of this government is to loot Odisha's natural resources. Just like the previous regime, the BJP is allowing 5-6 companies to exploit everything—land, water, and forests. These resources belong to the tribals, and no one has the right to take them away.”
Accusing both the BJP-led state and central governments of corruption, oppression, and betraying the trust of the people, Gandhi said that, “The Constitution safeguards the poor, oppressed, farmers, and marginalized communities. Nowhere does it say it belongs to rich people.”
He also accused the BJP of undermining the Constitution nationwide. “They attempted to tamper with it in Bihar, and now in Odisha, they’ve put it at serious risk,” he said.
Speaking on the ongoing strike by drivers' associations that has disrupted goods transport in the state, Gandhi claimed it was a BJP-led conspiracy to derail the Congress rally.
“The BJP pressured the drivers’ association to disrupt our event. However, we succeeded as the association agreed to suspend their strike for a day. The state government must take responsibility and address the legitimate concerns of the protesters,” he stated.
Expressing deep concerns over women's safety and unemployment in the state, Gandhi questioned, "How many jobs has the state government provided to Odisha's youth? Over 40,000 women are missing, and no one knows where they are. Women are being raped every hour, yet the government stays silent."
Gandhi also highlighted the successful implementation of caste-based census by Congress government in Telangana and advocated for its introduction in Odisha.
"We successfully carried out a caste-based census in Telangana to assess the population distribution and understand the social and economic conditions of different communities,” he said.
“We aim to replicate this in Odisha. The public's awareness of their rights will lead to the BJP being ousted from power," he added.
He urged Congress workers in Odisha to stay fearless and committed to their mission of connecting with the people.
"You are all our Babbar Sher (majestic lions). Fear no one. The spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and our great leaders runs through you. Move forward and triumph in this battle against the BJP," he told the crowd.
It is worth mentioning that Gandhi, who is on a one-day visit to Odisha to energize party workers and assess organizational readiness, was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal.
The trio arrived at Bhubaneswar airport at 11:30 AM, where they received a rousing welcome by the state Congress leadership before heading to the public meeting.
