Bhubaneswar, July 11: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the ruling party of attempting to “hijack” the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. 

Speaking at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ rally in Bhubaneswar, Gandhi alleged that the BJP was systematically undermining democratic institutions and violating the Constitution.

Drawing parallels with the political turmoil in Maharashtra, Gandhi said, “Just like what happened in Maharashtra, the BJP is now trying to manipulate the Bihar elections. This is a nationwide assault on our Constitution.”

He criticised the Election Commission of India, claiming it had lost its neutrality and was functioning in favour of the BJP. “The Election Commission is not doing its duty. It is clearly biased,” he said.

Shifting focus to Odisha, Gandhi slammed the state’s BJP-led government for failing to implement key tribal welfare laws such as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996. He said tribals were being denied rights over forest land.

Reaffirming his party’s commitment, he declared, “The Congress enacted the PESA Act. If we return to power, we will ensure full enforcement to protect tribal rights.”

Powered by Froala Editor