Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, alleging that the state is being remotely controlled by industrialist Gautam Adani.
Addressing a massive rally at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar, Gandhi claimed the government is allowing big corporates to exploit Odisha’s natural resources at the expense of its people.
Speaking during the ‘Save the Constitution of India’ campaign, Gandhi said,
“Wherever you look in Odisha, there are only Adani’s posters. It appears Adani is running the government here.”
He linked Adani’s alleged influence to the Ratha Jatra in Puri, claiming the chariots were halted due to the company’s interference.
Gandhi further raised concerns over rising unemployment and women’s safety, alleging that over 40,000 women are missing in Odisha, and the government has remained silent despite reports of frequent rapes.
Accusing both the current BJP government and the former BJD regime of allowing corporate exploitation, he said:
“The government’s only goal is to loot Odisha’s natural wealth. Forests, water, and land that belong to tribals are being handed over to a few companies.”
He concluded by warning that the Constitution is under threat, not only in Odisha but across India, pointing to similar concerns in Bihar as well.
“This is not a government of the people. It’s a government for 5-6 billionaires like Adani. They are looting your land, forests, and future,” he said.
He also accused the BJP of attacking the Indian Constitution and manipulating democratic institutions. Citing alleged voter list fraud in Maharashtra, he warned that similar plans may be unfolding in Bihar and potentially in Odisha.
Highlighting tribal displacement and land rights violations, Gandhi claimed that without proper implementation of the PESA Act, Adivasis are being unjustly evicted.
“Water, forest, and land belong to the tribals, but they are being pushed out without rights,” he asserted.
Gandhi also criticized the recent Rath Yatra arrangements, alleging the chariots were halted for Adani’s family, indicating undue corporate influence in religious and administrative matters.
On women’s safety, he alleged that over 40,000 women are missing in Odisha and claimed 15 rapes occur daily, yet the government remains unresponsive.
He further pushed for a caste census in Odisha, citing the successful implementation in Telangana, and called for more attention to backward communities.
Finally, Gandhi acknowledged the Odisha Drivers’ Association for supporting his rally despite alleged government pressure, stating their demands must be addressed.
The remarks have added fuel to the political firestorm in the state as both BJP and Congress intensify their campaigns ahead of upcoming elections.
