Rahul Gandhi asks Orissa tribals to join politics in large numbers

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked tribals in Orissa to join active politics in large numbers to ensure their empowerment and solve long-standing problems.

"More and more tribals should join politics through which they will be able to solve problems being faced by them for ages," Gandhi said during an interaction with party members at Kotpad in Orissa's tribal-dominated Koraput district.

A large tribal presence in politics would play a significant role in empowering them and elevating their position, he said on the first day of his two-day visit to Orissa.

Tribals and dalits could make their voices heard if their community people participate in politics and public life, said Gandhi.

Gandhi, accompanied by All India Congress Committee's Orissa in-charge Jagdish Tytler, said Congress helped common and ordinary youths move up without any political links or influential background.

During the interacton, closed to the media, Gandhi answered a host of queries.