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At the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ in Bhubaneswar, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on the BJP government in Odisha, accusing it of looting public wealth, marginalizing tribal communities, and attempting to hijack India's electoral system.
“Jal, Jungle, Jameen” Must Stay With Tribals
Gandhi emphasized that the tribal communities are the rightful custodians of land, forest, and water. “Jal, Jungle, Aur Jameen belong to the tribals, and it will belong to them forever,” he declared to a roaring crowd. Referencing central legislation like the PESA Act and the Tribal Bill passed by Congress governments, he promised, “We will implement these laws in letter and spirit. Development cannot be done for 2–3% of the people.”
Election Commission Under Fire
Drawing a parallel with Maharashtra and Bihar, Gandhi accused the BJP of manipulating democratic institutions. “The Election Commission has started a new conspiracy to hijack the election. They are working as a BJP body,” he alleged.
Economic Disparity at the Core
Gandhi painted a stark picture of inequality in Odisha, stating, “The Government of Odisha has just one work—to steal the wealth of Odisha from the hands of the poor people… On one side, there is the poor public, and on the other, 5-6 billionaires.”
With Odisha’s political battleground heating up ahead of future elections, Gandhi’s sharp remarks signal a renewed Congress strategy centered on grassroots mobilization and tribal empowerment.