Rahul roadshow set to criss-cross tribal Orissa

Several of the above districts like Nabranagpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Sundargarh and Sambalpur are Naxalite affected and at present scaled down combing operations are in progress in Koraput and Rayagada for Maoists, who had looted three police stations in Nayagarh last month.

Initially, there were some doubts about his tour being allowed by the state Government citing security concerns, especially in the wake of the Maoist terror in Nayagarh, but local Congress leaders here were confident that the tour would go on. The Congress was especially keen on Rahul’s visit as they believe he could actively motivate party rank and file with just about an year to go for the Assembly elections. As regards security concerns, the local Congress leaders are not worried too much.

Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee president Jaidev Jena told The Indian Express, “We have informed the Home department about Rahul Gandhi’s visit and it (security aspect) is their lookout.”

However, the state Government is leaving nothing to chance and a series of meetings are on to discuss Rahul’s visit. An SPG team is also in the state capital to review the security arrangements and the possible places Rahul would be visiting. A senior official in the Home department said adequate security cover befitting the VIP would be provided to him.

During his visit, Rahul will also unveil an eight-foot statue of his father the late Rajiv Gandhi in Banarpal in Angul on March 9, which was constructed 10 years ago.

This was the place where the former Prime Minister had attended his last election rally before being assassinated by a suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The bronze statue is located inside a park developed over three acres.