Rahul Gandhi speaks in Oriya, wins tribal hearts

In a bid to draw an emotional chord with the tribals at the foothill of Niyamgiri in Kalahandi district, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi today began his speech in Oriya.

Apan Mananku, Samastnku Juhar (I greet all of you), Rahul told the audience in the opening line of his speech to the loud applause from the audience.

Earlier former Orissa minister Suresh Routray in his speech had strongly criticised chief minister Naveen Patnaik for being unable to speak in Oriya language even though he completed 10 years in power.

Former chief minister Giridhar Gamang and Hemananda Biswal highlighted Gandhi family's close bond with tribals and reminded the gathering that Rahul was also fond of tribals like his predecessors.

Rahul shook hands with the people who were on other side of the barricade but was cautious about breaking barricade as done earlier.

The Congress leader, considered as the Saviour of Niyamgiri hills by tribals, was given traditional welcome by boys and girls of Dangaria Kandha and Kutia Kandha as soon as he alighted from the chopper.

Members from Dangaria Kandha and Kutia Kandha, dominated Rahul Gandhi's rally here even as senior Congress leaders including OPCC chief KP Singhdeo, former chief ministers Hemananda Biswal and Giridhar Gamang and MPs Pradip Kumart Majhi and Bhakta Charan Das were also present.