Odisha Cong Trying To Rope In Rahul Gandhi For ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, Says Jatni MLA

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of Congress is trying to invite Rahul Gandhi to participate in its ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in the state, said senior leader of the party Suresh Routray.

Speaking to media persons on the arrangement for the padyatra in the state, Routray said it would start from Indira Gandhi Park in Bhubaneswar under the leadership of OPCC president Sarat Kumar Patnaik on October 31. Around 2 lakh people including Congress workers and supporters would participate in the event on the first day, he added.

Jatnai MLA said he would lead a procession with 10,000 people from Khurda to join the yatra in Bhubaneswar on the day. “The party workers from grassroots level to top leaders are very excited for the yatra that would move across the state to garner support for the Congress ahead of the General Elections in 2024,” he added.

Claiming that the ruling BJD is already shaken by the spontaneous support from the people to Rahul Gandhi in different states during the yatra, Routray expressed optimism of a great show in the coming elections.

“Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is in constant fear of raids by enforcement directorate (ED) and CBI as around 18 MLAs and MPs of the BJD are embroiled in chit fund scam in the state. The ground swelling in support of the Congress, which is already visible, will convert into a big wave during the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and the BJD will face a crushing defeat this time,” the MLA said.