Bhubaneswar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led government in Odisha on Thursday, alleging that the state is effectively being run by industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing a massive public rally at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar under the theme ‘Save the Constitution of India’, Gandhi said, “The Constitution protects the poor, the oppressed, farmers, and backward communities. It is not written anywhere that it belongs to Ambani, Adani, or any billionaire. Yet, wherever you look in Odisha, there are only Adani’s posters. It appears Adani is running the government here.” Referring to the recent Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, he claimed, “Adani’s influence was evident when the chariots were halted due to his company’s intervention.” Raising serious concerns over women’s safety and unemployment in the state, Gandhi questioned, “How many jobs has the state government created for the youth of Odisha? Over 40,000 women have gone missing, and no one knows their whereabouts. Women are being raped every hour, yet the government remains silent.” He went on to accuse both the current BJP government and the previous administration of exploiting the state’s resources. “The only objective of this government is to loot Odisha’s natural wealth. Just like the previous regime, this BJP government is letting 5-6 companies exploit everything—land, water, and forests. These resources belong to the tribals and no one has the right to snatch them away,” Gandhi asserted. He also alleged that the BJP is undermining the Constitution across the country. “They tried to tamper with it in Bihar, and now in Odisha, they have put it under serious threat,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP in Odisha, alleges Adani controls state governance
