Rahul Gandhi Slams NDA for Neglecting Tribals in Orissa

In a carefully worded address of an election rally in Rourkels, Orissa, Congress general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday slammed the National Democratic Alliance state government in Orissa for neglecting the cause of the state’s tribals and contended that the pro-poor measures initiated by the UPA would result in a huge win for the Congress and its allies in the forthcoming elections.

Rahul’s anti-NDA tirade may be attributed to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s refusal to table his aces before the conclusion of the general elections.

Patnaik recently broke off over a decade old ties with the BJP and stepped out of the NDA, his government however continues with support from a motley group including Left parties.

The Congress, say sources, views Patnaik as a future ally, and has refused to agitate the leader ahead of a tough election season.

“NDA was wiped out in the 2004 general elections despite its India shining campaign as it was working for the rich people neglecting the tribals and the poor, whose plight worsened during its rule,” said the young parliamentarian in his address.

Weaving his speech around the ‘Aam Aadmi’ Gandhi affirmed his party’s resolve to work for the downtrodden, backward and dalits and claimed that the UPA government had brought a historic bill for tribals to get back their valuable land, which had been taken away without compensation.

He listed several achievements of the UPA and said that National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) benefited a large number of people, mid-day meal scheme had met unprecedented success across the country.