Lanjigarh (Orissa), September 03: The ruling BJD in Orissa today asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to become a ‘sepoy’ for tribals of Malkangiri district who face inundation due to Polavaram project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
“Rahul Gandhi recently claimed that he works as a ‘sepoy’ for the tribals of Kalahandi and saved Niyamgiri hills in Kalahandi. If he is really committed to fight for tribal rights, he must stop Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh,” BJD speakers said while addressing “Save Orissa” convention here.
Revenue Minister Surya N Patra said the Centre accorded permission to Polavaram project even without holding public hearing in tribal villages in Malkangiri district.
About 25 tribal villages and a large chunk of forest area would be submerged once the project over the river Godavari was completed, he said.
–Agencies