Bhubaneswar: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Odisha capital on Friday to participate in a high-voltage ‘Save Constitution’ rally at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswr.
Accompanied by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Raul was accorded a warm welcome by senior state party leaders at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA). The visit signals a renewed political push in Odisha ahead of the panchayat elections next year.
Soon after arrival, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha led a vibrant roadshow from the airport as thousands of supporters lined up on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the Congress heavyweight and cheer him. His speech is expected to emphasise constitutional values, democracy, and the need for unity against divisive politics.
Party sources say Rahul will engage with Odisha Congress cadres, discuss electoral strategy, and address critical issues faced by the state. The rally aims to galvanise support, mark the party’s presence, and assert the Congress narrative amid rising political contestation.
Post the event, Gandhi and Kharge are scheduled to hold meetings at the Congress Bhawan and later return to Delhi in the evening.
In view of the visit of the Congress heavyweights, scurity has been significantly heightened in Bhubaneswar.
According to Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh, around 53 platoons of force have been deployed to ensure foolproof security during Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow and subsequent engagements. The roadshow was held from Bhubaneswar Airport to Medical Square, with strict arrangements by the police.
Dog squads and bomb squads have also been engaged to strengthen the security as Rahul proceeded to the Baramunda Ground for the “Sambidhan Bachao” meeting.
Following the rally, he will meet two key delegations behind the stage — one comprising displaced tribal families affected by recent forced evictions, and the other of farmers highlighting procurement delays and agrarian distress.