A Rally for the Constitution – Or Something More?
In a fiery speech at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ rally in Bhubaneswar, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unleashed a scathing critique of both the BJP-led central government and Odisha’s ruling BJD, accusing them of corruption, corporate collusion, and the erosion of tribal rights and democratic norms.
Gandhi’s visit is part of the larger ‘Samvidhan Bachao Yatra’ (Save the Constitution Campaign), which the Congress claims is aimed at countering growing authoritarianism and constitutional erosion under the Modi government. However, critics – especially the Odisha BJP – allege it’s a desperate move to revive a declining political force in the state.
Land, Forests, and Rights ‘Stolen’, Says Rahul Gandhi
At the Baramunda Ground, Gandhi accused the Odisha and central governments of systematic exploitation of land, forests, and tribal resources, claiming the state was being run not for its people, but for a few corporate entities like Gautam Adani.
“This is not a government of the people,” Gandhi said. “It is a government of 5–6 billionaires. They are looting your land, your forests, and your future.”
He lambasted the state for failing to implement the PESA Act, which safeguards tribal rights, and claimed the jal, jungle, zameen (water, forest, land) of Adivasis were being taken without consent.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gandhi claimed that the annual Rath Yatra procession was halted for Adani’s family, calling it a “symbol of corporate capture of state machinery.”
Women’s Safety, Caste Census, and Electoral Integrity
Rahul Gandhi also raised alarming concerns over women’s safety, stating that over 40,000 women have gone missing in Odisha, and 15 cases of rape are reported daily. “Yet, the government remains silent. Why is no one being held accountable?” he asked.
He advocated for a nationwide caste census, saying it would bring visibility and justice to backward communities. Referring to Congress-ruled Telangana’s caste census, he said, “Odisha’s backward classes remain ignored, and that must change.”
He also alleged voter list manipulation in BJP-ruled states like Maharashtra and Bihar, warning Odisha to “stay alert” to similar threats. “In Maharashtra, one crore new voters mysteriously appeared. How is that even possible?” he asked, claiming to have written to the Election Commission demanding transparency—yet receiving no reply.
Support for Drivers’ Protest and Tribal Issues
Gandhi expressed solidarity with the Odisha Drivers’ Association, who supported the Congress rally despite alleged government intimidation. “The BJP tried to threaten them, but they stood firm. Their demands must be fulfilled,” he said.
He reiterated his party’s commitment to tribal welfare, land rights, and inclusive development, vowing to fight the displacement of tribals and demand fair compensation and consultation.
BJP’s Retort: “This Is Not About the Constitution—It’s About Saving Congress”
The BJP, quick to respond, dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s speech as political theatre. Odisha BJP Vice-President Biranchi Narayan Tripathi called it “a campaign to save the Congress, not the Constitution.”
Tripathi claimed Gandhi’s narrative was hypocritical, asserting, “The Congress itself has a history of amending the Constitution for political gain. There’s no internal democracy in the party—it’s a family-run show from Nehru to Rahul.”
BJP MP Pradeep Purohit countered Gandhi’s claims of public unrest, pointing to welfare schemes like the Subhadra Yojana for women, Rs 3,500 monthly pension for senior citizens, and various initiatives for farmers and tribals, arguing that Odisha’s people are happy and well cared for under the BJP-led government.
He added, “The BJP is the only party genuinely working for Dalits and tribals. Gandhi is misrepresenting facts because he’s in the Opposition.”
A High-Stakes Campaign with Mixed Optics
Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive rhetoric has undoubtedly energized Congress cadres in Odisha—a state where the party has been on the political margins for years. By directly challenging both the BJD’s long-standing dominance and the BJP’s growing influence, Gandhi has attempted to reposition Congress as a voice of the marginalized.
However, the timing, tone, and framing of the ‘Save Constitution’ narrative may raise questions among neutral observers. While the issues of tribal displacement, women’s safety, and democratic accountability are valid and deeply concerning, the BJP’s counter-charge—that the campaign is more about reviving Congress’s electoral prospects than defending the Constitution—finds some resonance as well.
Constitutional Alarm or Political Realignment?
Rahul Gandhi’s Bhubaneswar rally was as much a call to constitutional conscience as it was a bid for political relevance in Odisha. His focus on tribal rights, electoral fairness, and caste equity touched sensitive chords, while his direct attacks on Adani and BJP projected him as a combative Opposition leader unwilling to pull punches.
Yet, in a state dominated by the BJD and now increasingly courted by the BJP, Congress faces an uphill battle. Whether Gandhi’s rally marks a turning point or simply a flash of old-school populism will depend on how effectively the party translates speeches into sustained grassroots engagement—and whether the electorate sees the Constitutional narrative as genuine or opportunistic.
(With agency inputs)
