Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Arrive in Odisha for ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge arrived in Odisha on Friday to participate in the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ and attend other party events. Their visit marks a significant push by the Congress to mobilise public support and strengthen its presence in the state.

The two senior leaders were received with great enthusiasm by state Congress leaders and hundreds of party workers who gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to welcome them. Slogans in support of the leaders and the Constitution echoed across the airport premises, reflecting the energy among party cadres.

From the airport, Gandhi and Kharge travelled nearly seven kilometres in a roadshow to the Baramunda Ground, where the main meeting of the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ is scheduled. The roadshow witnessed massive public participation, with supporters waving party flags and showering flower petals.

Speaking to reporters, senior Congress leaders said the visit of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge aims to highlight issues concerning the erosion of constitutional values and democratic institutions under the current regime. The ‘Samvidhan Bachao Samavesh’ is part of a broader nationwide campaign initiated by the Congress.

Sources indicated that both leaders will address the gathering at Baramunda Ground and are expected to target the BJP-led central government on issues such as unemployment, price rise, and alleged attacks on federalism and constitutional institutions.

This is Rahul Gandhi’s first visit to the state after becoming the Leader of Opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha. The presence of both national leaders is seen as a morale booster for the Odisha Congress, which is seeking to rebuild its political base in the state.

The duo is also scheduled to meet with state party leaders to strategize for upcoming local and national electoral challenges.