‘Not Constitution, it is a save Congress campaign’; Odisha BJP on Rahul Gandhi’s visit

As Rahul Gandhi visits Odisha as part of his ‘Samvidhan Bachao Yatra’, the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, claiming that the campaign is less about saving the Constitution and more about reviving a declining political force.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, senior BJP leaders described the rally as a political stunt aimed at reviving Congress’ lost relevance. 

Speaking to the media, Biranchi Narayan Tripathi, Odisha BJP vice-president, said, “Congress is in a state of despair. The party has distanced itself from the people of the state. I feel this is not a 'Save Constitution' movement, it's a 'Save Congress' campaign.” 

The BJP accused the Congress of hypocrisy, stating that the party itself amended the Constitution for political gain and has a long history of undermining democratic institutions. It further claimed that the Congress lacks internal democracy, calling it a family-run outfit dominated by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty—from Nehru to Indira, Sonia, Rahul, and now Priyanka and her husband.

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“If some has killed democracy, then it is Congress. It is a party where there is no internal democracy,” he added.

Taking a swipe at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP leaders demanded a public apology for what they termed as ‘disrespect’ to the President of India. 

While the Congress is yet to issue an official response, the BJP’s remarks have added political heat to Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled rally in Bhubaneswar, part of the ongoing Samvidhan Bachao Yatra here.