Bhubaneswar- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a fierce speech in Bhubaneswar, targeting the BJP-led Odisha government with serious accusations of corporate capture, constitutional sabotage, and indifference to public welfare. Speaking at a massive rally under the banner “Save the Constitution of India” at Baramunda Ground, Gandhi claimed that Odisha’s administration was functioning more for the benefit of industrialist Gautam Adani than for its own people
He criticized the overwhelming presence of Adani’s influence in the state, questioning how a private businessman could hold such sway over public affairs. Referring to the Rath Yatra in Puri, Gandhi remarked that even the sacred chariots were allegedly halted for Adani’s convenience, symbolizing just how deeply business interests have penetrated Odisha’s governance
Gandhi didn’t hold back when it came to addressing law and order and social issues either. He accused the state government of failing to protect women and provide employment for its youth. He cited alarming statistics, alleging that over 40,000 women have gone missing and that cases of rape continue to rise unchecked, all while the administration remains silent. He challenged the government to explain how many jobs have truly been created in recent years and questioned whether the promises made to the people had ever been fulfilled
Echoing his long-standing criticism of crony capitalism, Gandhi said both the current BJP government and the previous BJD administration have allowed a handful of companies to loot Odisha’s natural wealth. He stated that land, forests, and water—the lifelines of tribal and rural communities—have been handed over to corporations without accountability. According to him, the government’s sole mission seems to be enabling industrial giants to profit at the expense of ordinary citizens
He also warned that the BJP’s actions in Odisha are part of a larger national pattern of undermining the Constitution. Referring to political developments in Bihar and other states, he said the saffron party is bent on rewriting the fundamental values of Indian democracy. Gandhi argued that the Constitution belongs to the poor, the backward classes, the farmers, and the oppressed—not to billionaires
Gandhi pointed to Telangana, where the Congress government recently implemented a caste-based census, as an example of inclusive governance. He said Odisha must follow suit to identify social and economic disparities among communities and push for targeted development. He urged people to support this move, saying it would empower marginalized communities and pave the way for political change
Addressing the ongoing strike by driver associations that had caused significant disruption in goods transportation across the state, Gandhi alleged that the BJP had tried to sabotage his rally by pressuring the drivers to stay off roads. However, the protestors agreed to suspend their strike for the day, allowing the rally to proceed. He called on the state government to engage with the drivers and resolve their grievances, which he described as legitimate.
In a fiery message to party workers, Gandhi urged them to remain fearless and committed in the face of political intimidation. Calling them “Babbar Sher,” or brave lions, he encouraged Congress members to draw strength from the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and continue their fight to defend the rights of the people
Rahul Gandhi’s one-day visit to Odisha was aimed at energizing the Congress base and reviewing organizational readiness in the state ahead of upcoming political battles. He was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary KC Venugopal. The senior leaders received a rousing welcome at Bhubaneswar airport before making their way to the rally, where thousands gathered to hear their message of resistance and renewal
The visit marked a strategic push by the Congress to reposition itself in Odisha politics, portraying the BJP not only as a political adversary but as a corporate agent bent on dismantling constitutional protections and democratic institutions
