Rahul Gandhi and Kharge Lead “Save the Constitution" Rally in Odisha

In a powerful show of political force, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge visited Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on July 11, 2025, leading a massive “Samvidhan Bachao” (Save the Constitution) rally. This marked Rahul Gandhi’s first visit to the state since the BJP formed the government there in 2024. The rally was held at Baramunda Ground and witnessed an energetic crowd of supporters, party workers, and tribal representatives. The leaders were greeted with loud cheers and slogans at Biju Patnaik International Airport before holding a brief roadshow en route to the event. Security was heightened across the city with over 50 police platoons deployed. The rally was not just a symbolic gesture-it was a strategic political move to rejuvenate the Congress base in Odisha.

During the rally, Rahul Gandhi launched sharp attacks on both the state and central governments. He accused the Odisha administration of bending over backwards for big industrialists like Adani, even at the cost of religious tradition claiming that the chariots of the Jagannath Yatra were stopped for the businessman’s family. Gandhi also raised concerns about the marginalization of tribal communities, rising crimes against women, and the erosion of democratic processes in India. His speech highlighted the Congress party’s renewed focus on constitutional values, land rights, and social justice. Mallikarjun Kharge, too, delivered a forceful address, targeting the Modi government over issues such as Dalit rights, unemployment, and the handling of the Manipur crisis. Both leaders urged people to rise against what they called the authoritarian and corporate-friendly tendencies of the current regime.

This rally comes at a crucial juncture for the Congress party, which is trying to rebuild its influence in eastern India ahead of local and national elections. It also reflects the broader strategy of the INDIA bloc to unite opposition voices against BJP’s dominance. By invoking the Constitution, tribal identity, and traditional values, the Congress is hoping to reclaim lost political ground in Odisha. Beyond the speeches and symbolism, the event also served as a morale booster for local Congress workers, many of whom see this visit as a signal that national leadership is investing seriously in the region’s political future. Whether this momentum will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but the message was clear- Congress is not backing down.