Orissa was an isle of peace when Congress was in power as it was committed to secularism, which the present Naveen Patnaik government has “destroyed”, Congress star campaigner Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday.
“Clashes took place in the name of religion in Kandhamal and elsewhere as the non-Congress government in the state was responsible for spread of disharmony and hatred,” the Congress general secretary told election meetings in the district.
He also alleged that the state government had “failed” to mitigate the plight of tribals, farmers and downtrodden.
“I have travelled many states, but Orissa happens to be the poorest of all. Dalits and tribals are the worst hit in the poverty stricken state,” he said.
Describing Congress as a “friend of tribals”, he said the Centre had ensured tribals land rights law.