Rahul may visit state on Oct 29

OST Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Oct 27:

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, busy addressing rallies in five poll bound states, is likely to visit cyclone and flood hit areas in Odisha on October 29. He is likely to make an aerial survey of the affected areas to assess the situation and the condition of the people.

“AICC general secretary in charge of the state BK Hariprasad has informed me over phone that Rahulji has expressed his willingness to visit the state battered by the twin calamities,” revealed PCC president Jaydev Jena here today. He, however, clarified that no official confirmation has been received from Rahul Gandhi’s office about the proposed visit yet.

Despite the lack of confirmation, however, the party has already prepared a programme chart for the likely visit of Gandhi.

“Since Ganjam district has borne the brunt of Phailin, we are planning to take him to at least one place in the district. Besides, he will also visit Baleswar, which has been badly hit by floods. He will also make an aerial survey of other affected districts,” said Jena.
The hurriedly planned visit of the Congress scion is being seen as a response to the criticism levelled by the ruling BJD about the no show by senior Union. Ministers and Congress leaders at a time of such great calamity in the state.

A 12-member inter-ministerial team from the Centre will be in Odisha on Monday to assess the losses caused to public and private property by Cyclone Phailin and floods.