Bhubaneswar: Launching a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member and National Spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress leader of operating at the behest of anti-India foreign divisive forces and has emerged as the biggest threat to the country’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP state headquarters in Bhubaneswar alongside State BJP President Manmohan Samal and State General Secretary Biranchi Narayan Tripathy, Trivedi stated: “The entire world is currently going through a period of turmoil and uncertainty. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, with the BJP-led NDA government, is moving forward from a position of strength despite these challenging global circumstances. Among the world’s major economies, India continues to emerge as the fastest-growing economy. Just two days ago, the World Bank praised India’s achievements in poverty reduction in its 2025 report, highlighting the significant progress made over the past 12–13 years…”.
He also highlighted Odisha’s transformation into a hub for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, defence production, and emerging technologies under the double-engine governance of the BJP.
Trivedi noted that the state government aims to scale its economy to $500 billion by 2036 and $1,500 billion by 2047, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He added that Indian culture and heritage, such as Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, have gained international recognition through global platforms like the G20 Summit.
Addressing the ongoing political row over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, Trivedi dismissed the Opposition’s allegations as baseless, irrational, and born out of frustration from being out of power for decades.
Clarifying the numbers regarding the deletion of around 13 crore names from updated electoral rolls, the BJP leader detailed that 2.8 crore deceased voters, 6.3 crore permanently shifted voters, 1 crore duplicate registrations across multiple locations, and 3.01 crore untraceable entries were identified following proper legal notices by the Election Commission of India. He accused the Congress of shedding “crocodile tears” for untraceable voters in an attempt to illegitimately protect illegal infiltrators on electoral rolls, thereby compromising national security and integrity.
Trivedi further pointed out contradictions within the Congress party, noting that senior leaders including Shashi Tharoor and Ramesh Chennithala, as well as ministers in Karnataka, had previously lauded the SIR process for enabling free and fair elections. He questioned why Congress’s Booth Level Agents (BLAs) failed to raise objections during the verification process if they believed legitimate names were being removed.
He also raised questions about the Congress’ ‘mock parliament’, saying: “This practice is historically associated with Naxal groups that also ran parallel courts and governments known as Janatana Sarkars.”
Challenging Rahul Gandhi’s track record, Trivedi remarked that Congress has been out of power in states like Odisha since 2000, Gujarat since 1995, and Uttar Pradesh since 1990, relying on coalition partners to secure individual parliamentary seats. He defended the transparency of the Election Commission, contrasting current reforms with past Congress administrations, and warned against attempts by opposition parties to weaken democratic institutions like the Election Commission, Supreme Court, and public financial institutions.
Following the press conference, the BJP leader proceeded to Kataka to lead the party’s nationwide “Ganatantra Bachao, Arajakata Hatao Abhiyan” (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padayatra. The rally commenced at College Chhak following a floral tribute at the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and concluded at Dolamundai Chhak, with thousands of party workers and senior leaders joining the demonstration.
Speaking to the media there, Trivedi continued his tirade against Rahul Gandhi: “I feel there is no need to think too deeply about this; it is clear to everyone who is spreading anarchy. It is the same as what the Prime Minister said on Dussehra: just as when one of Ravana’s heads was severed, another would emerge, if one demand is met, another demand will crop up. Everyone knows who those forces are whose actions have no end…”
“I feel whenever such comments have been made against the Honorable Prime Minister, the people of the country have given a fitting reply. And I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi: Is this the ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’ that is filled with so much hatred?…,” he added.