"Adani Is Running the Odisha Government": Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP at Bhubaneswar Rally

Bhubaneswar : Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government during a massive public rally at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar, declaring that the state is being run not by elected representatives but by industrialist Gautam Adani.

Speaking at the rally themed ‘Save the Constitution of India’, Gandhi said, “The Constitution was written to protect the poor, the backward, the farmers—not billionaires like Adani and Ambani. Yet, in Odisha, it looks like Adani owns everything. His posters are everywhere. It seems he is the real ruler here.”

He linked Adani's alleged influence directly to the recent Ratha Jatra in Puri, stating that the iconic chariot procession was reportedly halted due to intervention by Adani’s company—calling it a symbol of corporate overreach in matters of public faith.

Rahul Gandhi also raised grave concerns over women’s safety, youth unemployment, and disappearances in the state. “More than 40,000 women have gone missing in Odisha, and no one knows where they are. Women are being raped every hour, and yet, the government watches silently,” he said, condemning the state’s inaction.

Accusing both the BJP and the previous state administration of exploiting Odisha’s natural wealth, Gandhi alleged that only a handful of corporations—backed by the government—are benefitting. “This land, water, and forest belong to Odisha’s tribal communities. No one has the right to steal it from them,” he said.

He further claimed that the BJP is systematically undermining the Indian Constitution, saying, “They tampered with it in Bihar, and now in Odisha, the Constitution is under direct threat.”

Gandhi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fighting for the people of Odisha, calling for the removal of what he termed a “government for corporates, not citizens.”